On Sunday, April 3, 2022, the Central New York Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame held its 21st Annual Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Banquet on Sunday inside the Carrier Dome on the campus of Syracuse University.

Dr. Mike Haynie, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, was presented the Distinguished American award from the Central New York Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the 22nd Annual Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony at the University’s stadium. In addition to honoring the area’s high school and college scholar athletes for their achievements on the field, the classroom and in the community, Haynie received the Distinguished American award, one of the organization’s most prestigious honors.

The National Football Foundation began in Syracuse with the University being one of its founding members.  The organization recognized that after WWII, our nation’s youth were embarking into a world with many challenges and the country needed to teach teamwork, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.  Hence, the mission of the National Football Foundation was born. The recipient of this award “must, over a long period of time, have exhibited enviable leadership qualities and made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football in the United States.”