Distinguished Alumni Award

Indiana University men’s basketball coach Tom Crean, ‘89, has proven his considerable talent as one of the nation’s leading basketball coaches having served with distinction at Michigan State University, and Marquette University. Indiana University also leads the Big Ten with 15 regular-season wins and a 57.7 winning percentage against the Top 25 in that same span. 

Every four-year player of Tom Crean’s has played on a nationally ranked team at Marquette or Indiana. Indiana University is among the top academic programs in the country with four straight-perfect APR scores of 1,000. Twenty-one players have earned a degree while playing for Coach Crean at Indiana University, including five who have earned master’s degrees. Tom’s mentorship has led the Indiana University team to be honored ‘a league best’ 27 times on the Academic All-Big Ten. Dick Enberg (CMU ’57) said, “Tom is a teacher of men, stressing trust, dedication, team values, passion and most importantly the commitment of each athlete to honor his academic responsibilities… all qualities that speak of Central Michigan University’s focus for its student-athletes.” 

Throughout his coaching career, Tom has received numerous awards from his peers and the media, including being named the 2012-2013 NABC District 7 and USBWA District V Coach of the Year, 2012 ESPN.com National Coach of the Year, 2012 Sporting News Big Ten Coach of the Year, 2011-2012 midseason Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year, 2003 and 2004 Conference USA coach of the year, and 2003 Clair Bee Coach of the Year. He also received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the John Lotz “Barnabas” Award (best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity, and encouragement to others & balanced life). 

Tom’s success as a prominent and premier college position 1 basketball coach continues to attract notoriety and exposure for Central Michigan University. Television announcers and radio broadcasters include Tom’s alma mater when he is introduced. Tom’s biography is often referenced during pregame television and radio broadcasts. Tom serves as an ambassador for CMU every time he makes personal and public speaking engagements. Tom often returns to Mt. Pleasant to visit his mother and sister, and remains in close contact with several current and retired CMU faculty and staff.