John P. "Jack" Grinold was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the athletic program within both the field of Sports Information and administration. Grinold has been Sports Information Director since 1962, and is currently an Associate Athletic Director for Communications.
As the dean of New England SIDs, Grinold has been the innovator and prime mover in the field of sports publicity. Professionally, Grinold has been recognized several times by his national organization, the College Sports Information Directors of America, CoSIDA. He was inducted to the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 1999 received the Community Service Award. In 2003, he was inducted to the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the first recipient of the New England Information Publicity Plus Award in 1971, and earned the ECAC Service Bureau Award in 1979. University publications such as game programs and athletic media guides from A to Z have reflected his energy and journalistic ability, as well. Grinold is owner of over 25 COSIDA Citations of Excellence for various University brochures. From ballgames to banquets, Grinold's style is and always has been directly behind the scenes. Long-time offices held include: Secretary of the New England Writers Association since 1964; Chairman of the New England Writers Association Football and Hockey banquets since 1964; and executive director and former president of the Eastern Mass. Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame, now known as the Jack Grinold Chapter. He served as Chairman of COSIDA's Committee on Committees. With this induction, Grinold became the first non-athlete or coach to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Grinold attended 464 consectutive Northeastern football games, home and away, from 1962-2007.
When not talking, Grinold is walking, as charter member of the Boston by Foot, Bostonian Society and Victorian Society.
