Romeoville, Ill. - Former professor Chuck Crowder was named the ninth Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year.
"I really appreciate this award and want to thank everyone who made it possible - GO FLYERS" said Crowder.
The Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year was established in 2016 to honor members of the Lewis community who have unwavering support for athletics and embody the Lasallian values of faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and inclusive community.The award was named after Brother Raymond, a devoted Christian Brother who provided valuable and dedicated leadership and service to Lewis University for over 45 years. He was one of the original seven Christian Brothers to arrive at Lewis in 1960 and served the University in various capacities, most notably as an outstanding professor in the Theology Department.
Before arriving at Lewis, Crowder served our country as a member of the Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and forward air controller (USAF). While with the Air Force, he was one of four pilots from his wing (out of nearly 100 pilots) selected to spend two weeks flying against the Navy's Top Gun School. Crowder was also nominated for Forward Air Controller of the Year in Europe as well.
After serving, he was an analyst for military programs (including President Reagan's "Star Wars") at BDM International.He also held numerous positions from Research Physicist to Director of Operations at Amoco Laser Company, Various Positions at Scientific-Atlanta including Vice President/General Manager of the Optical Products Division. He was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to attend graduate school as well. At Amoco Laser Company, Crowder and his team won an R&D 100 award (one of the best 100 technological products of the year) for their diode-pumped solid-state lasers and some Laser Focus New Product of the Year Awards. At Scientific-Atlanta, he ran the team that won the contract to build the Verizon's Optical Network.
While at Lewis, Crowder was an associate professor of physics for 14 years where he taught and impacted the lives of numerous students and student-athletes. Crowder earned the Lasallian Teaching Award and served as a chairman of the Lewis Arts and Sciences Budget Committee, Chairman of University Faculty Budget Review Committee and was a faculty representative on Lewis Board of Trustees Budget Committee. On the athletic side of campus, Crowder was the Chairman of Lewis Athletic Advisory Committee from its inception until his retirement. An avid fan of Lewis sports, Crowder attended multiple athletic events to support student-athletes around campus and in classes. He also was the faculty representative for men's volleyball as well.
Crowder and his wife Susan have four children, David, Colleen, Andy, John and their grandchildren, Olivia, Sophie, Penny, Quinn, Hattie, Ainsley, Avery, Maddie, Will, Rayna and Rowen.
Lewis athletics is also set to host its annual Flyer Red Dinner at the Bolingbrook Golf and Country Club on January 28
th with the event starting at 6 p.m. The dinner serves as a fundraising event to benefit Flyer Athletics and its teams while also recognizing the 2026 Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame class.
To register for the event, use the link at the top of the article. For more information about the event, please reach out to associate athletic director for development
Tyler Mitchell tmichell7@lewisu.edu or call at 815-836-5888.
PAST WINNERS
2026 - Tony McCormick
2025 - Janeen Decharinte
2024 - Pietro Tonino, Md.
2023 - Dr. Ralph Miller
2022 - Larry Wiers
2019 - Neil Carey
2018 - Wayne Draudt
2017 - Paul Ruddy
2016 - Raymond McManaman, FSC
For the latest news and updates on Lewis athletics, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @golewisflyers on Instagram and @LewisFlyers on X.
