Dr. Robert Appleyard, chair of the department of basic sciences at NUHS, recently received a prestigious award from the Eastern Collegiate Athletics Association for his leadership over many years in the sport of rowing.

Dr. Appleyard has a 33-year career in officiating rowing events at every competitive level, including masters, elite, intercollegiate, national and international championships. In 1993, Appleyard was awarded the Julian Wolf Award as an official who stood apart from the rest in his/her contributions to rowing. In 2001, he became the Director of the Julian Wolf Referee College and still holds that position today.

He has served in several other leadership capacities for organizations within the sport of rowing.  He was appointed co-chief referee for USRowing Olympic and National Team Trials in 1992, and served in that role through the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Trials. From 2002 through 2006, he was the Chair of the USRowing Referee Committee. The USRowing national teams represent the United States at the highest level of international competition, participating in either the Olympic games or the World Championships. In fact, Dr. Appleyard was chosen to serve as one of the umpires for the 2008 Olympic Games Rowing Regatta in Beijing.

National University is proud to have faculty members, such as Dr. Appleyard, who participate in service and leadership positions in a variety of national and international athletic venues.