COLCHESTER, Vt. - Saint Michael's College will recognize the legacy of long-time Department of Athletics administrator Chris Kenny '86 M'98 P'18 with a special "An Evening with Chris Kenny" celebration on Friday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Delta Hotels by Marriott Burlington in South Burlington, Vt., during the College's Alumni and Family Weekend. As part of the event, Kenny will be the sole member of the Saint Michael's Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
 
Tickets are on sale for $35 and can be purchased online here. Friends are encouraged to submit photos, anecdotes and other memories about Kenny through events@smcvt.edu.
 
Kenny served the Department of Athletics for 37 years, from 1987 to 2024, compiling one of the most outstanding tenures ever by an administrator at the College. In June 2024, he moved into a new role as the College's Executive Director of Stewardship & Leadership Giving, and heads into his 40th year as a Saint Michael's employee this fall.
 
Prior to his stint as Director of Athletics (2015-24), Kenny was Senior Associate Director of Athletics (2014-15), Associate Director of Athletics (2003-14), Assistant Director of Athletics (1998-2003), Director of Athletic External Affairs (1996-98), and Sports Information Director (1987-96), building relationships through such responsibilities as NCAA compliance, marketing, development, and sport administration. Kenny is a product of Saint Michael's, earning a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 1986 and a master of science degree in administration and management at the College in 1998. Eldest daughter Jillian followed in his footsteps as a member of the Class of 2018.
 
Kenny led Saint Michael's Athletics through a significant period of growth as Director of Athletics. The number of full-time head coaches more than doubled, and additional staff supported areas such as strength & conditioning, sports medicine and athletic communications. An enhanced scholarship model contributed to additional athletic success and expanded rosters, and substantial improvements were made to the Doc Jacobs Field Complex and Kelley Ski Center, with comprehensive long-term renovation projects now nearing completion in Ross Sports Center and Tarrant Recreation Center.
 
A well-known face around campus who has made an impact on multiple generations of Saint Michael's students, Kenny previously chaired the SMC Athletic Hall of Fame Committee as one of numerous committee assignments. He also chaired the Northeast 10 Conference's Athletics Council and Executive Committee while being involved on the NE10 Hall of Fame Committee, NE10 Steering Committee, NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Committee, NCAA Regional Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, and Boards of Directors for the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame and C. Douglas Cairns Arena.
 
September's unique event will mirror such special ceremonies as the 1998 testimonial to Edward P. Markey '51, former student-athlete, coach and athletic director whose career spanned five decades; the 2004 Centennial celebration; 2014's Zaf Fest, recognizing long-time head athletic trainer, coach and administrator Zaf Bludevich's 39 years as an employee and friend; and the 2024 celebration of the national champion 1998-99 men's ice hockey team.