Hall of Fame
Sharon Lambkin and Ross Irwin came to Pasadena College in 1952. Sharon majored in home economics and Ross majored in religion. During those days, the famed “Firehouse Five” basketball team won the NAIA District Three Championship two consecutive years before producing avid followers of virtually every student and most of Pasadena. That interest in Crusader sports has lasted a lifetime. There has been no break in their support between then and now.
Besides following teams and rooting for athletes, their interest turned to genuine support and has been constant ever since. Ross has been President of the Crusader Club four times. His first term project was to purchase a bus—though it pales now sitting beside our current buses. “Stubby,” as it was affectionately called, carried Crusaders teams more than 90,000 miles.
Sharon has been a gracious hostess on numerous occasions for most of our teams. Since moving to San Diego, where she assumed an active guidance role, she has had many occasions to assists athletes in academic planning and maintaining eligibility.
As their means increased, their support manifested itself financially as well. Their financial gifts would astound people if they were listed and made known. Their motives are of quiet giving to genuine need. Among their projects was the donation of all the trophy cases in memory of Sharon’s father, Walter Lambkin, who had worked closely with the athletes for several years following retirement. The now synthetic track could not have been built without their significant gifts. Permeating all they do is positive, enthusiastic, gracious attitude worthy of emulation.
The awards for Meritorious Service were presented to Ross and Sharon Irwin by Dwain Leach and Jan Bernard
