The College Sports Information Directors of Americas (CoSIDA) announced on Monday, February 25, that Jeffrey Bernstein, New York University's Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information, will be inducted into the organization's prestigious Hall of Fame on Monday, June 10, during this summer's annual convention in Orlando, FL.

CoSIDA's Hall of Fame was established in 1969 and 224 members have been inducted, including the six in the 2019 class. Joining Bernstein in this year's CoSIDA Hall of Fame class are Dave Lohse (Associate Athletic Communications Director; University of North Carolina), John Paquette (Senior Associate Commissioner, Sports Media Relations; BIG EAST Conference), Maxey Parrish (Former Director of Internet Operations and Sports Information; Baylor University), David Plati (Associate Athletic Director/Sports Information Director; University of Colorado), and Mark Stillwell (Former Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director; Missouri State University). 

Bernstein is currently serving as Chairman of CoSIDA's Fred Stabley Jr. Writing Contest Committee.

"We are so pleased for Jeff and his family as he is recognized by CoSIDA in this very special and lasting manner," said Christopher Bledsoe, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics at NYU. "We are equally proud and appreciative to have worked closely with Jeff for the past 19 years. Jeff works for what is best for our University, our department, and most importantly, for our students. He can be counted on to perform his duties with good humor, while welcoming the challenges and responsibilities that continue to buffet the sports information field. Jeff is a valued member of our staff and we are so happy he has been recognized by his colleagues in this very special way."

Bernstein, who has held his post with NYU since October of 1999, served as President of ECAC-SIDA during the 2010-11 academic year and helped the organization increase membership, sponsorship and visibility. After joining the organization's Board of Directors as its Chairman of Membership Services in 2004, he stepped into the presidential rotation in 2008-09 as Second Vice President and then First Vice President in 2009-10. He completed his tenure by serving as Past President in 2011-12. Bernstein was awarded ECAC-SIDA's Irving T. Marsh Award in 2016 and also received the organization's Bob Kenworthy Award in 2018.

The longtime Sports Information Director, who came to NYU after stops at Hunter College and Manhattan College, also serves on the Executive Board of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA), where he earned the organization's "Mike Cohen Good Guy Award" in 2003, an honor that is presented annually "to someone who has been especially friendly and helpful to the media, often going above and beyond to make their jobs easier and more pleasant." Bernstein was also cited by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as a Grant Burger Media Award regional honoree in 2006, 2007 and again in 2011.

Also a member of the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), Bernstein's proposal to initiate a Division III Men's and Women's National Player of the Week Award was accepted by the organization prior to the 2014-15 season, and Bernstein continues to serve as Chairman of the Selection Committee.

"I am extremely humbled, honored and thankful. To be recognized by your peers in this way means everything to me," Bernstein said. "I am grateful to the people I've worked for and worked with throughout my career. The personal relationships I've developed within this outstanding profession and with all the student-athletes I've come to know keeps me going and motivates me every single day.

"I could say this honor is a 'culmination' of my career's work," Bernstein continued, "but I'm thinking (and hoping) there's still a lot more left in the tank." 

What They're Saying About Jeffrey Bernstein:

Bruce Haberli, Head Wrestling Coach at New York University:
"I've worked with Jeff from the time I was an athlete at Hunter College. I worked with him again at Manhattan College and now for almost 20 years at NYU. He's always had a passion for the field and makes sure he's getting things right. He has a sincere interest in the student-athletes and the programs he covers. I'm beyond fortunate to work alongside someone like Jeff for my entire career."

Dennis O'Donnell, Director of Athletic Communications at the University of Rochester and 2007 CoSIDA Hall of Fame Inductee:
"Jeff Bernstein has spent his entire SID career working in the toughest media market in the nation: the New York metropolitan area, where there is a massive group of colleges on all levels plus nine pro teams representing the four major sports. He has always been able to pick his spots with the Fourth Estate. That's something that draws respect from his colleagues and his employers. If the pro athletes in New York could do the same thing, championship trophies would never leave the City."

Christopher Mitchell, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Washington University in St. Louis:
"Jeff has been a good friend for a long time, and I could not be happier for his induction into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame. He has been dedicated to his profession for 37 years, and to enhancing the student-athlete experience."

John Neves, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Student-Support Services at Baruch College:
"I have known Jeff since my junior year at Manhattan College, where I had the good fortune to work as a student assistant for him. He has been a mentor to me and a great friend. This is a deserving award for his many years of service to student-athletes."

Myles Rudnick, Assistant Sports Information Director/Coordinator of New Media at New York University:
"I was fortunate to work for Jeff for one year as a student and now almost three years in a full-time role. He is not only a mentor to me, but a friend that I get to learn from and be around daily. He has been a calming presence in a stressful, ever-changing industry and has taught me how to be a great communicator, a respectful colleague and a leader."