RENO, Nev. – Longtime Wolf Pack supporters Eric '82 and Linda Lannes were named the 2023 recipients of the University of Nevada's prestigious Jake Lawlor Award.
The award is named after the legendary Wolf Pack coach and athletics director Jake Lawlor and is given annually to individuals who have consistently demonstrated unwavering support of Wolf Pack Athletics. The award was presented to the couple at the 54th annual Governor's Dinner July 20 at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City.
Nevada Athletics broke ground on The Eric and Linda Lannes Basketball Building this past June 2, marking a momentous next step in Nevada's continuing capital project efforts. This transformational project was made possible by Eric and Linda Lannes' $4 million gift, the single-largest donor gift in department history, alongside two $2 million gifts from anonymous donors, announced Feb. 22, 2022.
Eric and Linda Lannes began their support of Wolf Pack basketball with a gift to the Lombardi Renovation Fund in September 2019. Eric, who graduated with his bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the university, went on to serve as executive vice president with a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial water and space heating products. Eric and Linda, who was born and raised in Reno and is a proud graduate of Bishop Manogue High School, are proud to be able to support Nevada in such a meaningful way. Eric and Linda Lannes are firmly committed to giving back to the community in which they live and call home.
"Like many in Northern Nevada, Wolf Pack Athletics has always been close to my heart as a student and now alumnus. We are honored to be part of the basketball programs' continued growth and help provide a facility that will be used every day by our student-athletes to advance their skills on the court and on their path to graduation. We hope this gift inspires others to invest in Nevada Athletics and its tremendous student-athletes. They are a true asset to the university," Eric Lannes said.
Since 1980, the University of Nevada has issued its highest honor, the Jake Lawlor Award, every year at the Governor's Dinner. This year's dinner featured former two-sport star and one of the most iconic athletes of all-time, Bo Jackson, as the featured guest.
With over 800 guests in attendance, this year's Governor's Dinner was the largest event to date with tens of thousands of dollars raised that will directly impact the lives of Nevada student-athletes.
Jake Lawlor Award Recipients
2023 Eric & Linda Lannes
2022 Jerry & Roxie Enneking
2021 Jerry Smith & the Nell J. Redfield Foundation
2019 John Morrey
2018 Don Weir
2017 Donald L. Jensen
2016 The Dolan Family
2015 Chris & Kim Aramini
2014 Craig Karrasch & Mark Knobel
2013 Chris Ault
2012 E.L. Cord Foundation
2011 Dixie May
2010 Drs. Harry & Rita Huneycutt
2009 John Ascuaga
2008 Roger Primm
2007 Jack & Rick Reviglio
2006 Roger Trounday
2005 Joe Crowley
2004 Roger Bergmann
2003 Bob Armstrong
2002 Harvey Whittemore
2001 Robert A. Cashell
2000 Gary Carano
1999 Bill Raggio
1998 Christina Hixson
1997 Bill Parish
1996 George Basta
1995 Brain Whalen
1994 John Legarza
1993 Ernie Martinelli
1992 Bob Smeath
1991 Holmes Hendricksen
1990 Don Carano
1989 Jack Spencer & Jack Cook
1988 Tom Reviglio
1987 Dr. Joe Libke
1986 Dick Trachok
1985 Bill "Wildcat" Morris
1984 Dr. Gerald Dales
1983 Bob McDonald
1982 Jimmy Olivas
1981 Ty Cobb
1980 Dale Whiddett
