"The Martins have certainly distinguished themselves in leading our University amidst such a tumultuous period," said Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh. "In turn, Mike and Jan's unwavering support of our student-athletes and staff in so many ways during these unsettling times has been of great comfort and is much appreciated.
 
"Wonderful friends and colleagues, it is fitting that Dick and Bernie are recognized in essential unison for their phenomenal contributions to FGCU Athletics since our inception. They have teamed together to generate extremely valuable resources and emotional assistance to the Eagles throughout our two decades plus tenure that has helped foster so many successes within the various segments of our operation."

With the bestowment of this honor, the 2022-23 quartet joins seven other instrumental individuals in the history and success of FGCU Athletics: the original late trio of former University President Dr. Bill Merwin, Ben Hill Griffin III and Duane Swanson, Sr. (2010-11),  Senior Associate A.D. for External Affairs Emeritus Stanley "Butch" Perchan (2014-15), retired FGCU President Dr. Wilson Bradshaw/FGCU First Lady Mrs. Jo Anna Bradshaw (2016-17), and Dr. Bob 'Doc' Ryan, Jr. (2021-22) .

The Martins were publicly recognized in a ceremony at halftime of the recent men's basketball game against Jacksonville.

President Martin came to FGCU from the Colorado State University System, where he served most recently as Chancellor Emeritus and Senior Fellow following three years as Chancellor. Prior to this, he was Chancellor of Louisiana State University; President of New Mexico State University; Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at University of Florida; Vice President for Agricultural Policy at University of Minnesota; and served 15 years on the faculty, including a term as Faculty Senate president, at Oregon State University.

A native of Crosby, Minn., Dr. Martin earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics and a master's degree in economics at Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University). He received his Ph.D. in applied economics from the University of Minnesota in 1977. His areas of specialization are prices, international trade, public policy, transportation, and business logistics.

His membership on local, state and national boards and organizations spans decades of service, and has included serving three years as the Chair of the ASUN Conference President's Council.

Ackert has supported FGCU even before the school was approved by the Florida Legislature and before it was officially established in 1991. The school opened for classes in 1997. Ackert has served on the FGCU Foundation and Financing Corporation boards, and Ackert is Chairperson Emeriti of the FGCU Foundation.

The Florida Gulf Coast University board unanimously voted in 2017 to name The Commons at North Lake Village, a student housing community, after Ackert.
 

In recognition of Lester's many contributions to FGCU, an expansion to Alico Arena was named the W. Bernard and Elaine Lester Athletics Administrative Complex in 2017. Lester is a former executive at Alico, Inc. His boss, the late Ben Hill Griffin III, donated to the state the 760 acres that serves as FGCU's campus and Lester was very instrumental in that process.

The Lesters are FGCU sports fans, and are especially fond of the basketball and volleyball teams. Lester served on the FGCU Board of Trustees for nine years, and he continues to serve the university as a member of the Foundation Board and the Financing Corporation Board.