Solly Walker to be Honored at 26th Annual President’s Dinner

QUEENS, N.Y. – St. John's University will honor the late great Solly Walker '57CBA, '94HON with the Spirit of Service Award at the 26^th Annual President's Dinner on Oct. 30, 2023. Walker, who was the first African American player to ever wear a St. John's varsity uniform, lettered from 1951-54 and was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.

One of the University's most prestigious events since its inception in 1998, the Annual President's Dinner has been a celebration of what makes St. John's University unique – the vibrant combination of scholarship and service. Funds raised from the President's Dinner are used to support scholarship assistance for students who, because of economic burdens, might otherwise be unable to realize their dream of a St. John's education.

Coming to St. John's from Boys High School in Brooklyn, Walker scored 573 points and grabbing 496 rebounds in 78 games during his collegiate career. In his first year at St. John's in 1950-51, Walker led the freshman team to a 17-2 record by averaging 15.1 points per game.

His first year on the varsity squad was a memorable one, as Walker helped lead St. John's to the NCAA Championship game, which marked the first of two Final Four appearances in program history. He played in 30 games, averaging 4.4 points and 3.8 rebounds during the 25-6 campaign under Hall of Fame coach Frank McGuire.

In 1952-53, Walker appeared in all 23 games for St. John's, guiding the team to a 17-6 record and a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title game. He averaged 7.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest that season.

Walker enjoyed his finest season as a senior in 1953-54, leading the team in both scoring (14.0 ppg) and rebounding (12.2 rpg).

After college, Walker was drafted by the New York Knicks, but chose to pursue a long career with the New York City Board of Education, starting as a teacher and eventually serving as principal of the Manhattan School for the Multi-Handicapped.

On May 2, 2017, Walker passed away at the age of 85, but his legacy lives forever in the St. John's Athletics Department. Walker was always focused on the athletic success of Red Storm student-athletes and was deeply interested in their academic progress. As a tribute to the St. John's legend, the Solly Walker Academic Support Service Fund was developed to enhance the academic profile of the University's student-athletes. To make a donation honoring Walker's legacy click here.

The 26^th Annual President's Dinner will take place at the New York Hilton Midtown on Monday, October 30, 2023, beginning with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m.

St. John's University Athletics

Solly Walker to be Honored at 26th Annual President’s Dinner

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