Longtime NAIA staff member and former vice president for administration and legislative services, Wally Schwartz passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Final military honors will take place during a brief service at The Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo. at 1 PM on Friday, January 13. 

Wally began his career as a school teacher and coach in the Kansas City Kansas School District and worked in school administration for 12 years before joining the NAIA national office in 1968. Schwartz was named vice president for administration and legislative services where he would coordinate various committees, help administer national championship events and provide tremendous association leadership during his tenure. Wally retired in 1995.

Wally's contributions to the NAIA during his 27 years of dedicated and selfless service were many and varied. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1990 and in 2001, the NAIA initiated the Wally Schwartz Award to recognize deserving Faculty Athletics Representatives who exemplify the loyalty, enthusiasm and honesty Wally displayed during and beyond his time at the NAIA.