The following tribute to long-time UNC Pembroke basketball coach and athletics director Dan Kenney was authored by current athletics director Dick Christy. The UNCP athletics department will honor Kenney on April 20 at its annual Cash Bash event in the English E. Jones Center.
 
Tables for the event can be purchased for $1,000 and include priority seating for eight individuals, as well as video board signage and a raffle entry for each guest. Individual tickets can be purchased for $125. For more information, or to purchase tables or tickets, please contact Assistant Athletics Director Adam Hardin at (910) 775-4339
 
"For 43 years, Dan Kenney has led by example.  UNC Pembroke was blessed that over 30 of those years were dedicated to the Braves in various capacities.  Whether assistant basketball coach, athletics director or interim chancellor; Dan Kenney left the people that he came in contact with better than they were before having worked with him. That is a truly special talent and one that Dan shared with so many people and will continue to share in his retirement.  Arriving around 7am on most days, departing well after the events were over in the evening, coming in on Sundays to get ahead on the week's agenda and prepare his teams, Dan's servanthood and work ethic are the legacy that will live on well into UNCP's future.
 
"I've had the privilege of knowing Dan for about 12 years. The first time I ever called him on the phone and asked how he was doing, the answer was, "I'm excellent, with a constant focus on improvement." Might sound goofy, but when you get to know the man you realize just how accurate it is.  He always brought his A-game and always was looking for ways to make things better for those he served.  Hard to imagine a southern gentleman from New Jersey but it is fitting for how rare an individual DK is.
 
"Every day I get to see how impactful his leadership in athletics was. So many values that he instilled and people that he hired are the foundation of what brings us success today.  His legacy won't be fully appreciated for years to come but I know many of our coaches and hundreds of our former athletes are forever indebted to him for his kindness, wisdom, and mentorship.
 
"The best tribute that we all can provide to him is to make UNC Pembroke all that it is capable of being for our region, for his grandchildren and for yours.  The blueprint to do so was provided day-in and day-out by one of the most consistent, genuine, and caring people that I've ever met.  If we learn from what values he worked by, I have no doubt excellence and improvement are in our future:
 
Treat others like a prized recruit
 
Outwork your competition (as Dan would say, "RDOP" - Recruit Daily or Perish)
 
Don't tolerate negative energy and negative people
 
Be genuine and put the interests of others first
 
Always take the high road
 
"There are probably 1,000 other ideals that he leads with, but I know these ones above made him truly special.  Thanks and congratulations to Dan, Mira, and the Kenney family on this next phase in life."