You are selected captain of the Southwestern cross-country team if your teammates recognize you as the best leader on the team. One of two student Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards is bestowed at graduation to a senior man who has been nominated for the award by his fellow students and who has exemplified in his life Rhodes’ principals of love and service to mankind, which were dominant characteristics of the 19th-century New York philanthropist Algernon Sydney Sullivan. The Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award is presented to the person who has done remarkable work on behalf of the college. Dossett Foster has been running, educating, leading and volunteering for his alma mater and his community since the day he arrived at Southwestern in 1960.
As a distance runner on the cross-country and track teams for four years, Dossett excelled. He was the Most Valuable Runner on the 1963 cross-country team. He led the Lynx distance corps to two appearances in the NCAA Cross-Country National Championship Meet. In 1963 Dossett set a course record at the Florence State College Invitational. He also served as captain of the 1964 track team, where he ran the 880, mile and two-mile at practically every meet.
Dossett was busy both in and out of the classroom. Mentored by legendary professors Dr. John Quincy Wolfe and Dr. Fred Neal, Dossett Foster was an outstanding student. He was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Tapped by Omicron Delta Kappa for his scholarship, service and athletic success, he served as president of ODK his senior year. During his junior year he served as president of the Interfraternity Council, a member of the Student Council, an officer for Kappa Sigma, and was an active member of the German Club.
Retired from the Memphis City School system after teaching for more than 20 years, Dossett was known as one of Shelby County’s best cross-country and track and field coaches. Dossett Foster represents the very best in scholarship, service and sportsmanship. In recognition of his contributions to his alma mater, Rhodes is honored to induct LEWIS DOSSETT FOSTER into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 22nd day of October, 2004.Â
