Villanova University paid tribute to Ed Collymore, a 1959 graduate of Villanova University who was at one time one of the top sprinters in the world.

Collymore died last week at the age of 85, reports Villanova University.

He was also a one-time co-world record holder in the 60-yard dash.

Closer to home, Collymore was known on the Villanova campus as the executive director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where he worked for decades.

He was a sophomore when he was on the Wildcats track & field squad during its 1957 national championship season.

“That season has been widely considered as one of the greatest track & field teams assembled in the sport’s history,” Villanova stated.  

Collymore was just 19 when he finished third place in the 220-yard dash during the NCAA Championships.

 Less than a year later he would tie the standing world record in the 60-yard dash during the 1958 indoor season.

While still a student, he competed in the first United States vs. Russia track & field meets held in Russia.

Collymore earned a B.S. in Economics from Villanova and later an M.A. in Counseling from the University, followed by an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

He was hired by Villanova in 1969 as an assistant director of the Office for Social Action Programs, promoted to director, then executive director in 1992.

Collymore created special programs geared toward inner-city students and is considered a pioneer in social justice reform.

In 2014 the Edward Collymore Honor Society was established at Villanova.

He was part of the 1980 induction class to the Villanova University Varsity Club Hall of Fame and was inducted to the track & field Wall of Fame on November 2, 1996.

He was Board Member of the Year at the Community Action Agency of Delaware County.

The Villanova University Alumni Association presented Collymore with the Social Action Award and the Black Cultural Society honored him with its W.E.B. Dubois Award.

He is also listed in “Who’s Who Among Black Americans” and was honored by the Main Line M.L.K. Association. 

Read more about Ed Collymore at Villanova University.