Long-time Foundation volunteers Laurie Covert and Jay Hacker were honored at the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary celebration for their significant contributions to the Foundation over several years. Both individuals were recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural Charter Champions Impact Award.
Named in honor of the Charter Champions, this award captures the spirit and lasting legacy of the Foundation’s 35 founding members and honors an individual or group of individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the Foundation. It recognizes those who have truly “made a difference” in the life of the Foundation and have had significant and measureable impact on the individuals and programs served by the Foundation. Besides making a significant contribution to the Foundation, an individual must also have served the Foundation in leadership roles such as an officer or member of the Board of Directors, a committee member or other volunteer role and served as an ambassador of the Foundation by promoting the Foundation and encouraging other Section volunteers, friends, alumni, businesses and others to support the Foundation.
Known for sharing her time, talent and treasurer, Covert served as President of the USTA/Midwest Section from 2000-2001 and then as president of the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation from 2002-2005.
During her time as President of the Foundation, Covert raised funds and support for the Foundation by serving as the Development Chair from 2004-2005 and on the Building Committee. She and her husband, Chris, were instrumental in helping to fund the building, which is currently owned by the Foundation. After fulfilling her duties as president, Covert became the Foundation’s Grant and Scholarship Chair from 2006 -2011 and she continues to volunteer for the Foundation, serving as a member of the Grant and Scholarship Committee.
Known as a visionary and a leader, Hacker served as President of the USTA/Midwest Section from 2003-2005 and as a president of the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation from 2006-2007. During his time as executive vice president of the USTA/Midwest Section, it was Hacker’s idea for the Foundation to build and own a building that, after it was paid for, would provide a revenue source for the Foundation. The building, which currently houses the Foundation, also serves as the home of the USTA/Midwest Section and the Section’s Hall of Fame. In addition, the Foundation, as a result of the ownership of the building has corporate tenants, which occupy the second floor. Once the building is paid for, which is anticipated to be in 2026, all revenue from rent will go directly to providing grants and scholarships.
After his presidency, Hacker continued to volunteer for the Foundation, serving as the Development Chair from 2006-2009, Strategic Planning Chair from 2008-2009 and as the Grant and Scholarship Chair from 2012-2013.