SAN FRANCISCO – Lifelong Don Hal Urban will be presented with the Jim Brovelli Award at the Third Annual Dons Tip-Off Gala, schedule for Oct. 12 at Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.
 
The Jim Brovelli Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, loyalty, dedication and service to USF's basketball programs over the years. The award is named in honor of Jim Brovelli, whose hall of fame contributions to USF basketball as a player, coach and broadcaster spans six decades.
 
The first award recipient was Bob Enright, followed by Jack Boland last year.
 
Three degrees, a full family of Dons and memories on the court and in the classroom making Urban an excellent selection for the award.
 
Urban began his journey as a lifelong Don the year current University President Father Fitzgerald was born, stepping onto the Hilltop campus in 1958. A few months later he played in the first official game in War Memorial Gym. Among his teammates while at USF were Ed Thomas and future coaches Jim Brovelli, Bob Gaillard, and Dan Belloumini. Since his gradution in 1962, he has attended almost every game played at USF, along with many road games.
 
Throughout his time at USF, Urban earned a BA, MA and EDD, plus two education credentials. His three sons are all USF graduates, as is his wife, Cathy. He was also an adjunct professor at USF for 36 years. Among his students were USF greats Bill Cartwright and Phil Smith. Although he has strong bonds from his basketball playing days, his greatest memories come from the professors who greatly influenced his teaching career and the lifelong friendships he made while on campus.
 
Learn more about Urban at the Dons Tip-Off Gala.
 
The Dons Tip-Off Gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 12 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom at 465 California Street in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hosted cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by a dinner celebrating USF's men's and women's basketball teams.
 
KPIX's Vern Glenn will serve as master of ceremonies. A speaker will be announced at a later date.
 
USF head coaches Kyle Smith and Molly Goodenbour will offer a preview of their upcoming seasons and players from both programs will also be on hand.
 
Individual tickets to the event have been priced at $250, with the option to purchase a "Name Your Table" for eight for $2,500. This table offering includes the guest or company name on the placard designating your table. In addition, Celebrity Tables can be purchased for $5,000, also including eight seats at the table. 

In the spirit of engagement, each table will also include seating for a student-athlete, member of the coaching staff or representatives of the athletic department.

Tickets for this event are available at usfdons.com/tipoffgala. For questions, please contact Julie Congi (congi@usfca.edu) in USF's Athletic Department. All proceeds from this event benefit USF's men's and women's basketball programs.