Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

The IUP Athletic Hall of Fame likely would not be in existence today without the vision of Dr. James Laughlin.

During his time as a professor and as a member of the administration, Laughlin initiated the committee to establish the Hall of Fame and served as its chairman. Although he is being honored today largely for that contribution, he also made his mark in several other areas.

Laughlin came to ISTC in 1947 and earned four letters in football while also competing on the swimming and wrestling teams. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 and then attended Penn State, where he earned his master's degree in education in 1954.

Laughlin's career brought him to IUP in 1963 as the dean of admissions before assuming the duties of assistant dean of students from 1970-75. In 1975 he became a graduate school professor until his retirement in 1988.

Laughlin has been active on campus since his retirement. He served as an officer of the IUP Alumni Board and was president of the Indiana County alumni chapter for 16 years. He also works as a mentor to IUP football players. Laughlin received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995.

Laughlin and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of James III, William, Jane and Anne.