Still burning bright: Five flames enter the Hall of Fame

Lee University will celebrate five new members of its Athletic Hall of Fame during a special induction dinner on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the John Nichols Room of the Chapel. The 2025 class represents more than two decades of Lee athletic history, honoring former athletes and staff who have left a lasting mark on the university’s programs, culture, and community.

Established in 1998, the Hall of Fame honors exceptional achievement, leadership, and character both on and off the field. Director of Athletic Communications Philip Tang said the selection process involves months of nominations, review, and discussion by an eight-member committee.

2023 Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff Mullins, accepting his award. Photo credit: Reily Rogers

“It’s every other year now,” Tang explained. “We take nominations from the community, coaches, and alumni, and then we sit down and look at each nominee’s accomplishments. What they did on the court or the field, but also what kind of person they were off [the field].”

This year’s inductees include Holly Hamilton Smith (women’s basketball and softball, 1999–2003), Abby Bertram (women’s basketball, 2016–2020), Matt Emery (men’s golf, 2010–2014), Leah Fortune Terry (women’s soccer, 2011–2013), and Jonathan Dukes, who is being honored for Meritorious Service after serving as Lee baseball’s public address announcer for 25 years.

Tang described the 2025 class as a reflection of both excellence and heart across multiple generations of Lee Athletics.

“It shows how successful Lee Athletics was and still is,” Tang said. “Holly Hamilton Smith competed in two sports at a high level, which is tough to do. Matt Emery helped build the golf program and led during our transition from NAIA to NCAA. Leah Fortune Terry was part of that legendary women’s soccer dynasty. Abby Bertram showed what leadership looks like in our NCAA era, and Jonathan Dukes has been the voice of Lee baseball for a quarter century, doing it all while being legally blind.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Few athletes represent that legacy more vividly than Abby Bertram, one of the youngest members of this year’s Hall of Fame class. A standout guard for the Lady Flames from 2016 to 2020, Bertram was named to the Gulf South Conference All-Decade Team, led her team to four NCAA tournament appearances, and earned numerous All-Conference and All-Region honors.

Bertram in the 2019 Women’s basketball championship. Photo credit: Michael Wade

But for Bertram, the recognition is as much about her teammates as it is personal success.

“I was walking my dog in the park when [Athletic Director] John Maupin called to tell me I’d been inducted,” Bertram said. “It was a mix of surprise, shock, and gratitude, all at once. But honestly, I just felt thankful to share this with my teammates. There’s no Abby Bertram without the rest of the girls on the team.”

Bertram said her time at Lee was shaped by both the people and the sense of belonging she felt from the moment she stepped on campus.

“I visited a lot of schools, but when I walked onto Lee’s campus, it just felt like home,” she said. “It was one of those moments you read about or see in movies. You just know.”

During her career, Bertram not only set records but also became known for her leadership. She served as a team captain starting her freshman year, a role she said taught her lessons that still guide her today.

“You only play basketball for 40 minutes, but you have to be a leader off the court, too,” Bertram said. “That means showing up on time, going to class, doing things the right way.”

Now working as a content coordinator for Milo’s Tea Company, Bertram credits her time as a student-athlete as preparation for life after graduation.

“I always tell people: being a collegiate athlete is a full-time job,” she said. “You’ve got workouts, classes, games, and you still have to make time for friends and everything else. Learning to balance all that definitely carries into my career now.”

When asked what she hopes current Lee athletes take away from her example, Bertram said she wants them to know there’s life beyond the court.

“I hope they can see you can do basketball, but you can also do other things,” she said. “We’re not going to play forever, so it’s important to better yourself in other areas, too.”

The Voice of the Flames

While Bertram’s career was defined by her performance on the court, Jonathan Dukes’ legacy has been built from behind the microphone. For 25 years, Dukes has been the unmistakable voice echoing through Larry Carpenter Stadium as the public address announcer for Lee baseball.

Jonathan Dukes announcing baseball game. Photo credit: Jonathan Murray

“It was the last thing I ever expected,” Dukes said about learning he would be inducted. “Coach Mark Brew told me he was nominating me, and I was grateful he even thought of me. But I never imagined it would actually happen.”

Dukes began announcing in 2001 at the suggestion of his wife, Mary, who serves as a faculty mentor for athletics. Despite being legally blind, Dukes has continued the role with the help of colleagues and players who assist him during games.

“I’ve lost almost all of my vision over time,” he explained. “I can’t see the field anymore, so the guys in the booth describe what’s happening. Baseball for me now is completely auditory. I listen to the sounds of the game, the crack of the bat, the reaction of the crowd. It’s different, but it’s still beautiful.”

For Dukes, the role is about more than announcing scores, it’s about connection.

“The whole thing for me is about asking, ‘How can I make something better?’” he said. “Whether that’s working in the counseling center, mentoring student-athletes, or doing PA [public address] for baseball, I just want to contribute in whatever way I can.”

That commitment, Tang said, is exactly what makes Dukes a model of the Hall of Fame’s values.

“He’s a professional in every sense,” Tang said. “He does his job with passion and excellence, and he makes everyone around him better.”

Dukes said his faith continues to guide his work, both as a counselor and as an announcer.

“In everything I do, I’m a Christian,” he said. “That means loving people and doing whatever you do with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Whether it’s calling a baseball game or sitting with a student, I just want to do it well.”

As for how he hopes to be remembered, Dukes said it simply: “That I loved Lee Athletics; That I was grateful for the people, the coaches, and the student-athletes; and that I did everything I could to make it better.”

The 2025 Hall of Fame dinner will take place Saturday evening as part of Lee’s Homecoming weekend. The inductees will also be recognized during the men’s basketball game that afternoon.

For Tang, the event celebrates more than athletic success. It’s a reminder of the enduring legacy that links Lee athletes across generations.

“The Hall of Fame isn’t just about records or championships,” Tang said. “It’s about who these people were and how they represented Lee. That’s what makes it special.”