Watch Lou Connelly's Induction Video Here

In November of 1967, just months after covering the Boston Red Sox Impossible Dream season as a sports writer for the old Boston Herald-Traveler, Louis B. Connelly was appointed Suffolk University’s first full-time public relations director and held that post for 29 years before retiring in June of 1996.

As part of his responsibilities, Connelly also held the title of sports information director, the first individual to ever fill that role. His wealth of knowledge relative to the history and charm of Suffolk was invaluable in promoting the positive image of athletics on behalf of its student athletes.

Because of his passion for following its athletic teams, Connelly spent seven years upon retirement working in a part-time capacity as the University’s sports information director. He took pride in being Suffolk’s number one fan, cheering for the Rams on the court, in the field, and one the ice.

Connelly graduated from Suffolk University in 1957 with a bachelor of science degree in journalism, and received his master’s in education degree from Suffolk in 1974. He played basketball at Suffolk under Charlie Law, Suffolk’s first head coach and athletic director, and a member of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class.

In 1999, Connelly received the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Suffolk University Communication and Journalism Department, and was the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Service Award by the Suffolk University General Alumni Association.

During his overall 36-year career at Suffolk, Connelly worked for four presidents, and was the consummate professional, well respected and admired by everyone he met. He touched the lives of so many people – students, faculty, staff and alumni – and was the face and voice of Suffolk to the media in Boston and beyond.

“Suffolk was always my home away from home, and I consider the people I’ve worked with as my extended family,” said Connelly in a press release upon retiring. “The sports program has come a long way over the years and I feel fortunate to be part of it.”

Connelly’s all-time favorite team was the one he managed at home. He and his wife, the late Maureen C. (Devine) Connelly, had five daughters and they’re all Suffolk graduates. The youngest of the bunch, Jennifer (Gentile), appropriately joins her father as an inductee in this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame class as a member of the 1996 women’s softball team.