Celebrating a Legacy: Pat Thompson to Be Honored During Reunion 2025
For more than four decades, Patricia “Pat” Dudas Thompson ’75, MS ’88, dedicated herself to elevating Elmira College’s athletics program and supporting the campus and local communities. In recognition of her unwavering dedication on and off the field, Thompson has earned EC’s 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award.
Thompson will be formally recognized during Reunion 2025 at the Annual Meeting with the Elmira College President, held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, in Stephans Lounge, Meier Hall. The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public—no registration required.
Thompson began her EC career shortly after graduating in 1975, starting as Director of Camps and Clinics before moving into roles as Director of Sports Information and Assistant Director of Athletics. In 1984, Thompson was promoted to Athletic Director. In 2000, she was elevated to Vice President of Athletics and Health Services. She served as VP of Health Services until 2013, when Campus Life took over the responsibility. In 2018, she retired as VP of Athletics.
Under her leadership, Thompson added 10 varsity sports to the College’s athletics roster and captured five national titles for cheerleading (2000, 2007) and women's ice hockey (2002, 2003, 2013). As part of her role, she served a two-year term as the Empire 8’s First Vice President, after she served in the role of Second Vice President. She aligned EC with the United Volleyball Conference and was the driving force behind the formation of the United College Hockey Conference. She was one of the first women to sit on the top NCAA governing body, as well as a variety of NCAA committees. The Eastern College Athletic Conference recognized Thompson as its Female Administrator of the Year in 1999. In July 2005, the Chronicle of Higher Education identified Elmira College in the Top 3 Division III colleges.
A founding member of the Empire 8, United Volleyball Conference, and UCHC—where the championship trophy now bears her name—Thompson was known for mentoring young professionals in collegiate athletics. She also coached EC’s cheerleading team for 23 seasons, leading them to a national title in 2000.
As an engaged alumna, Thompson served as a Class Officer for decades. She hosted and attended alumni events and volunteered for EC Phonathon. She also contributed to the wider community, serving on the boards of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Community Foundation.
Her many honors include the Paul Brand Athletics Staff Award (1983, 1996), the Student Association’s Administrator of the Year (1992), and the Douglas Anderson Award for Administrative Excellence (1992, 1995). She was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and the EC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. She served as the Patron Saint to the Illustrious Class of 2003. In one of her most visible honors, the gymnasium court in Emerson Hall was named Pat Thompson Court. Beyond EC, she was recognized with the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce ATHENA® Leadership Award in 1997.
Alumni are encouraged to register for Reunion 2025 to take full advantage of the weekend’s events and join the campus community in celebrating Pat Thompson, other distinguished honorees, and catching up with cherished friends.