NEW PALTZ, NY — On March 29th the Department of Athletics held its annual Carol Eckman Society Medal of Honor Induction. Every year, former female student-athletes are inducted into the Society based upon their athletic experience while at New Paltz and, more importantly, their continued service to young women and girls in both athletic and professional development. The 2008 recipients of the honor were former swimmer Jessica DiFabio and basketball player Silver Williams.
This year’s induction featured Dr. Charlotte West as a guest speaker. Dr. West spent many years as the Associate Athletic Director at Southern Illinois University before retiring in 1998. She was the first member of the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics and later served on their Executive Committee. In addition, West was the first recipient of the Honda Award given for outstanding achievement in women’s collegiate athletics. Today, she still continues unfinished work of ensuring equal opportunity for women in sport.
DiFabio was a four year member of the women’s wim program. She brought the program to levels within the SUNYAC, setting the stage for the national powerhouse it is today. DiFabio won multiple SUNYAC titles, was honored with the Grace Mowatt Award and was selected the Heinz Ahlmeyer recipient in 1999. She is currently a guidance counselor at Waterford-Halfmoon High School and serves as an assistant swim coach for the Greenbush YMCA and Shenendehowa HS.
Williams is one of the most distinguished players in the history of women’s basketball at New Paltz. She finished her career fourth all time in scoring with 946 points and second in rebounds with 671. She was a second team All-SUNYAC selection in 2002 and was the Heinz Ahlmeyer Award recipient in 2003. Williams is currently an English teach at Newburgh Free Academy.
Williams, West and DiFabio at the 2008 Carol Eckman Society Induction.
