"Considered to be the "Father of Division I at VU," Richard Koenig devoted 50 years of his life to the University.

He made a major impact on the athletics program during his tenure as director of athletics and as vice president for public and alumni affairs (1969-1989).

Koenig arrived at VU in 1939 as a student and was a member of the basketball team until graduation. He joined the faculty in 1942 as a member of the physical education department and freshman basketball coach. After military duty, he returned to VU in 1947 and held several positions (including graduate manager) before being named athletic director.

In 1974 Koenig completed his second term as secretary-treasurer for the NCAA. He also was a member of the 1976 Olympic Basketball Committee, the 1964 Olympic Committee for Tokyo and the 1958 Pan-American Games Committee. His contributions to athletics were recognized when he was enshrined into the National Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame. Koenig also received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Otis Bowen. This is the highest award the governor and the state of Indiana can bestow on any of its citizens. He also received the O.P. Kretzmann award from Valparaiso University in 1990.