HOBOKEN, N.J. (May 16, 2016) – Former Stevens Institute of Technology Director of Athletics and coach Irvin "Buzz" Seymour passed away April 27, 2016 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. at the age of 92.

As both an administrator and coach, Seymour dedicated 38 years of his life to Stevens and its student-athletes. 

Seymour took over as the athletic director at Stevens in the fall of 1971, and presided over the department until his retirement in 1989. His 18 years at the helm is the second longest tenure of any athletic director in Stevens' over 100-year athletics history. 

Prior to his role in the administration, Seymour served as the head coach of the men's lacrosse team from 1951-69 in addition to coaching stints with the squash, basketball and soccer teams.

"Buzz was the person who hired me at Stevens in 1977, and he's always been like a father figure to me," former coach and current physical education coordinator Nick Mykulak said. "Buzz was a man of uncompromised conviction and principles, and he was liked and respected by all members of the Stevens community."

As the lacrosse coach, Seymour accumulated nearly 100 wins in his 19 years as the head of one of college lacrosse's most storied programs, including nine winning seasons. Seymour's .513 winning percentage still stands as one of the best marks in the program's history. 

In 1965, Seymour enjoyed his most successful season by leading Stevens to a 9-1 record to supersede a 6-1-1 season in 1953, and a 7-2-1 campaign in 1957. In 1956, Seymour was selected by his fellow coaches to serve as head coach of the North-South All-Star Game, where he coached future professional football hall of famer Jim Brown.

Seymour was also heavily involved in growing the sport off the field by volunteering his time to the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association, and the NCAA.

Admired by coaches and staff members alike, Seymour was lauded for his warm personality and leadership of the department. 

"Buzz always made you feel that you were a part of the decision making process," Mykulak said. "He was a tremendous leader, and a special man in my lifetime."

Seymour's welcoming demeanor united the Stevens athletics department during his tenure as A.D., and it's an impact that's still felt to this day.

"Buzz really made everyone in the department feel like a family, and his door was always open for coaches to come in and talk about anything that was on their minds," 42-year head women's fencing coach Linda Vollkommer-Lynch said. "He really cared about the coaches and staff members, but most importantly the student-athletes."

Seymour' has been honored by the department every year since 2000 with the Irvin "Buzz" Seymour Award, an honor given to one male and one female who are named the top student-athletes of that year. His legacy will continue to have an impact on Stevens and its athletics department for many years to come. 

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