Earlier this afternoon, the Lehman College athletic department held its first Hall of Fame induction ceremony since 2005. The ceremony took place at the Thomas Hunter Lounge (Room 330, Music Building) and saw six members get inducted into the Hall of Fame, Dr. Lorenzo Gonzalez (Men’s Basketball, 1989-1993), Dr. Harvey Perlow (Basketball & Track and Field, 1969-1971), Jonathan Rojas (Men’s Basketball, 1999-2004), Ivelisse Rosario (Women’s Basketball, 1998-2002), Desirae Ross (Women’s Basketball, 1998-2002), and Freddy Sanchez (Swimming & Water Polo, 1996-2000). Sports Information Director Stephen Spagnoli read each inductee’s plaque, with each one then receiving their plaques from the Director of Athletics Dr. Martin L. Zwiren and President Ricardo Fernandez. All inductees then spoke about how special it was to be distinguished as Hall of Famers.
Dr. Lorenzo Gonzalez was the first member to be inducted on the afternoon. Gonzalez, a member of the men’s basketball team from 1989-1993, accomplished a great deal during his tenure at Lehman. Perhaps his greatest achievements came in his final year as a member of the Lightning, in 1993, when he earned the men’s basketball MVP award and was distinguished as the Lehman College Athlete of the Year in 1993. He also earned the college’s Scholar-Athlete distinction all four years that he was at Lehman. He graduated from the institution with a Masters in Sports Medicine and then later completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami School of Medicine. Today, he is considered one of the top physical therapists in the United States.
Dr. Harvey Perlow, former Lehman College men’s basketball and track and field standout, was recognized next. His basketball prowess saw him average over 16 points per game over his four-year tenure at the institution. His final two seasons on the team, he served as team captain, providing leadership and stability to the Lightning. As for his track and field accomplishments, he broke the school record in the High Jump event during his sophomore year, and then he captured first place in the High Jump at the CUNYAC championship meet in both his junior and senior years. Also during his junior campaign, he medaled in the Junior National Championship. Following his Lehman College career, he attended Columbia Dental School and completed a residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. He eventually settled in as a dentist, and through hard work and dedication, he was selected by the Consumers Research Council as one of the top cosmetic dentists in America.
A link to the Lehman College men’s basketball team’s last championship – Jonathan Rojas – was inducted next. Rojas served as a three-time CUNYAC All Star and accumulated 1,358 points for his career. His athleticism saw him pull down more than 500 records and dish more than 250 assists for his career. In his final season, the 2003-2004 campaign, Rojas was named an All-Atlantic Region All-Star as he led the Lightning in scoring and rebounding while also helping his team win a CUNYAC championship and grab a berth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. During his time at the institution, the Lightning won two CUNYAC North Division crowns and one CUNYAC title while qualifying for the ECAC Metro NY/NJ Men’s Basketball Tournament once and the NCAA Tournament once.
Two members of the women’s basketball team from 1998-2002 – Ivelisse Rosario and Desirae Ross – were recognized next. Rosario, who currently serves as the Associate Head Coach of the women’s basketball team, put forth four stellar years as a member’s of the women’s basketball unit. A four-year captain, she sank 183 three-point baskets and dished 358 assists – both totals placing her second in those respective categories all-time. During Rosario’s playing career, she started in an amazing 110 games for the Lightning, not missing a single contest during her career. She was also a key reason why the Lightning qualified for the CUNY championship game in 2002. Ross, who completed her career with 1,275 points, is currently second on Lehman’s all-time scoring list. She was named a Second Team CUYNYAC All-Star in three of her four seasons on the squad while also being selected as a Hudson Valley First Team All-Star twice. She also ranks third at Lehman in three-point shots made with 115. She also was a key reason why Lehman made an appearance in the 2002 CUNYAC championship game
The final induction of the afternoon was former Lehman College swimming and water polo standout – Freddy Sanchez. Sanchez is the holder of four individual school records in the 100 and 200 yard Backstroke, the 200 and 400 Individual Medley, as well as the holder of four school relay records, the 200 and 400 Medley Relays, and the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relays. As a freshman in 1997 he was voted Rookie of the Year and MVP. He was a four-year finalist at the ECAC and Metropolitan Championships and a four year All-Metropolitan Conference selection. As team captain he was a four-year MVP and in 2000, his senior year, he was voted Lehman College Most Outstanding Athlete. He was also a member of the water polo, cross country, track, and tennis teams. Since his graduation, he has been a member of Lehman’s coaching staff and has been instrumental in helping the men’s team win four consecutive CUNYAC Conference Championships from 2006-2009.
Members of other Hall of Fame classes were also in attendance, including former Lehman College men’s basketball star Nick McNickle (played from 1970-1974, was inducted in 1999), men’s swimmer Serge Pilipczuk (swam from 1971-1975, inducted in 2000), men’s basketball player Ray Rankis (played from 1971-1975, inducted in 2000), and softball player Hillary Peart (played in 1997 and 1998, and was inducted in 2005). Athletic Director, Dr. Martin L. Zwiren, was very pleased with the day.
“The six members of this year’s induction class truly exemplify the words sacrifice, dedication, and heart,” Zwiren said. “The Lehman College Hall of Fame Committee and I are very proud of the members that were recognized today. It was also great to see some of the Hall of Famers from previous induction classes. It was be a memorable day for our athletic department.”