Harold Deane served Virginia State University for more than a half century as athlete, coach and educator.

Now it’s VSU’s turn to give back.

The VSU Alumni Association Varsity Club, in conjunction with the Trojans men’s basketball program, will honor Mr. Deane, VSU Class of 1961, on Saturday, Feb. 6, with the Humanitarian Award.

As part of Winter Alumni Festival, the presentation will be made in Daniel Gymnasium about 4 p.m., between a women’s and men’s game doubleheader.

The women’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m., with men’s action to follow.

As a young athlete, Mr. Deane was a three-year basketball starter, earning All-CIAA Tournament honors, while also competing in track and field.

He served two tenures as VSU head coach, from 1969 to 1979, and again 1987 to 1994. His 1988 squad was the last Trojans outfit to win the CIAA tournament.

Mr. Deane was CIAA Coach of the Year in 1972, 1974 and 1976.

Easy to spot about campus with his lanky 6-foot-6 frame, he wore more than one hat.

From 1969 until his retirement in 2015, he served as a professor in the VSU Health and Physical Education Department.