Dick McMahon Award

Congratulations to Eleanor (Ellie) Bruce, co-founder of The Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum! Ellie was the recipient of a $200 donation from the Rome Community Foundation- Richard McMahon Award.

On the evening of May 21, 2025, the Foundation held the 2nd Richard McMahon Awards Ceremony at the Capital Theatre in Rome, NY. Ellie, along with 33 other nominees from other non-profits were recognized. Below is the nomination:

The Rome Sports Hall of Fame is honored to nominate Ellie Bruce for the Richard H. McMahon Governance Award. Ellie played a pivotal role in the establishment and evolution of the Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, showcasing strengths that not only laid the foundation for this community institution but also ensured its growth and sustainability over the years. Her leadership, collaborative spirit, dedication to honoring local athletes, and ability to engage community support are just a few of the facets that established her as a key figure in this organization.

1. Visionary Leadership and Initiative

Ellie demonstrated visionary leadership by actively participating in the early discussions that led to the creation of the Hall of Fame. After encountering co-founders Carl Eilenberg and Bill Coughlin on a run, she expressed interest and offered assistance, marking the beginning of her involvement. This initiative underscored her proactive approach and willingness to contribute to the development of a project aimed at celebrating the athletic achievements of Rome's athletes. Her involvement began in 1976, and her enthusiasm played a crucial role in shaping the vision of what the Sports Hall of Fame could become.

2. Collaboration and Team Building

Ellie's collaborative nature was evident as she worked closely with co-founders and later added board members like Ruth Demers and Bill Fleet. Her ability to forge strong working relationships facilitated a smooth transition from a casual group to a more organized board structure. As a result, the Hall of Fame benefited from diverse expertise; Ruth’s organizational skills and Bill’s extensive knowledge of sports contributed to a more structured approach. This teamwork fostered a rich environment for idea exchange and problem-solving, leading to effective planning and execution of events.

3. Commitment to Honoring Local Athletes

Throughout her tenure, Ellie's dedication to recognizing athletes was unwavering. She was instrumental in the decision to create a space that honored not just athletes, but also coaches and contributors to sports in the community. She understood the value of celebrating achievements publicly, fostering a sense of pride among inductees and the community. By ensuring that notable local figures were honored at annual banquets, she helped solidify the Hall of Fame's role as a cornerstone of local heritage and identity.

4. Successful Event Organization

Ellie's organizational skills manifested in the success of initial and subsequent banquets. The first banquet in 1977, which celebrated inductees William Keating and William Valentine, saw over 350 attendees and featured the renowned athlete Wilma Rudolph as a guest speaker. Her ability to coordinate logistics such as locations, speakers, and ceremonies from the outset laid a solid foundation for future events, which continued to draw significant crowds year after year. These events not only raised awareness but also established a tradition that brought the community together, celebrating shared values of sportsmanship and achievement.

5. Engaging the Community

Ellie recognized early on that community engagement was vital for the Hall of Fame's success. She took proactive measures to involve the local populace, organizing events at the museum that showcased local teams and athletes’ achievements. By inviting the community to participate, she created a platform for individuals to learn about and appreciate the local sports culture. Her continuous efforts to promote the museum and its offerings ensured that community members felt welcome and informed, fostering a loyal following.

6. Adaptability and Forward-Thinking

Ellie's ability to adapt and evolve was crucial as the Hall of Fame grew. Although the idea of a museum developed later in the organization’s timeline, her commitment to utilizing available resources became apparent—as evidenced by the transition from City Hall to an independent museum at the Erie Canal Village. She leveraged her connections and actively sought donations of artifacts, contributing to the museum's rich collection. Her openness to embracing technology for exhibits further highlighted her forward-thinking mindset, ensuring the Hall of Fame remains relevant in a digital age.

Conclusion

Ellie's contributions to the Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum are marked by her visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, commitment to honoring athletic achievement, successful organization of impactful events, deep community engagement, and adaptability to changing circumstances. Her efforts ensured that the Hall of Fame not only became a repository for Rome's sports history but also a vibrant celebration of community spirit and pride. By stepping into the background to allow newer generations to take the lead, her foundations have left an indelible mark on the organization, ensuring its legacy and continued relevance for years to come. It is fitting that Ellie Bruce be recognized for her outstanding contributions through this nomination for the Richard H. McMahon Governance Award.

Please join The Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in congratulating Ellie on this wonderful award.