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Never has a name invoked the true spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi more than Maurice Stokes, the greatest student-athlete in the College’s history.
His legendary accomplishments on the basketball court from 1951-1955 pale in comparison to the courage, dignity and humility that he demonstrated in his battle with a brain illness that left him paralyzed and eventually resulted in his death on April 6, 1970. Considered one of the nation’s top collegiate basketball platers, he led Saint Francis College to a fourth place finished in the 1955 National Invitational Tournament, earning the prestigious tournament most valuable player (MVP) award, and was a 1955 second- team All-America selection.
A first-round draft choice of the then Rochester Royals, he was a three-time National Basketball Association All-Star selection until a fall in an NBA game in March of 1958 changed his life forever. Diagnosed with encephalitis, Maurice remained bedridden over a 12-year period. However, he never surrendered to his illness and he touched countless lived with his ever-present optimism and love of life. One of Maurice’s proudest moments was when he was told that the College’s new athletics facility would be names in his honor.
His final wish was to be buried in the Franciscan cemetery on campus, an act that speaks volumes of his love for his alma mater. The Franciscan community honored that request.
Saint Francis College is proud to honor Maurice Stokes with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Saturday, November 16, 1996.
