Alumni and Friends of Central Michigan University

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Distinguished Alumni Award

Distinguished Alumni Award - Theodore Kjolhede

Theodore Kjolhede graduated from CMU in 1948 before pursuing a lifelong career in sports.

During his student years at CMU he was captain and named MVP of the men's basketball team.

He served as basketball, football and tennis coach from 1956 to 1972 and as a physical education professor and athletic director from 1972 to 1984.

He also served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946.

Ted was instrumental in the construction of Kelly/Shorts and Theunissen stadiums, and during his years as athletic director, he led the women's basketball program as it grew from an AIAW to an NCAA program.

Ted also paved the way for CMU's entry into Division I and the MAC athletic affiliations.

Among numerous awards and honors, he was named to the Mid-American Conference Athletic Hall of Fame, the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame, NAIA National Coach of the Year and District Coach of the Year three times. He won the Robert G. Carlson Award for outstanding academics, athletics and leadership.

Now retired, Ted is a member of the Mount Pleasant Rotary, People to People, and holds many positions within the First United Methodist Church.