General | 9/18/2023 1:55:12 PM
Ann Bready King, Director of Athletic Communications at Russell Sage College, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston surrounded by her loving family.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Russell Sage community, Ann’s family and the countless people who were fortunate enough to call her a friend and colleague," said Chuck Mitrano, Empire 8 Executive Director. "Ann was always impressive to me - a person of great character, passion for those she served, a model of leadership, and unrelenting champion for change. Moreover, the grace and courage she exhibited up to the very end is simply amazing. Ann was a special person and leaves an inspiring legacy that lives on in all she touched."
A legend in the Sports Information/Athletic Communications field, King was in her 37th year as a Sports Information Director and her 15th season at Russell Sage College, where she was hired as the institution's first full-time Director of Athletic Communications in the summer of 2009. Prior to that, King spent 17 and a half years as SID at The College of New Jersey and six years as SID at her alma mater, Drew University.
King was extremely active with the College Sports Communicators, formerly known as CoSIDA, the profession's national organization. She was elected to the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 2006, and was named the first recipient of the organization's Warren Berg Award in 2003. She was also selected as the 2018 recipient of the CoSIDA Mary Jo Haverbeck Award, which is presented annually to an association member who is a pioneer in the field of sports information who has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity within CoSIDA.
Last week, King was honored as the first member of the Empire 8 25th Anniversary Legends series.
"I want to extend my heartfelt condolences, and the deepest sympathies of everyone at Russell Sage, to Tracy and Robert as well as to the Bready and King families," added James Lyons, Director of Athletics. "Ann came to Russell Sage almost 15 years ago, and made an immediate impact on the athletic department and the college. Her work ethic and dedication to our student athletes were equally matched by her professionalism and her love for her craft. Our hearts are heavy due to the loss of our friend and colleague, but our memories will be forever full of examples of her kindness, willingness to serve and help others, and of her smile and friendship."
For all King's professional skills, her innate kindness and unwavering willingness to help others will be her legacy. She would do anything for anyone, without hesitation. Ann was an extremely loving and passionate person, touching the lives of many through work and her personal life. She had a unique ability to connect with others, no matter their background.
In her free time, Ann cherished spending time with her family and friends. In recent years she rediscovered her passion for riding and showing horses. She also greatly enjoyed gardening and traveling, having ventured to 47 states in the United States.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY.
A Funeral Service will conclude the evening at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
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The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
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