After 28 years with the Frank Erwin Center, the director has announced his retirement.
Texas’s Austin John Graham, the Frank Erwin Center’s Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, declared this week that he will step down at the end of August 2017. Graham is the Frank Erwin Center’s second director, having been appointed by Dean Justice, CFE, who inaugurated the facility in 1977.
In 1980, Graham began his career in the arena sector as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Assembly Hall (now State Farm Center) events manager. Before relocating to Austin in May 1989 to take an Associate Director position at the Frank Erwin Center, he worked for nine years at Assembly Hall, rising to the positions of Assistant Director and Associate Director. In October 1990, he was elevated to the position of Director.
Over his 28-year tenure, Graham played a key role in bringing world-class events to the Frank Erwin Center. These events included the 1989 sell-out WWF (now WWE) event, which drew approximately 17,000 spectators; the 2011 Davis Cup quarterfinal between the United States and Spain; two nights of Paul McCartney’s 2013 “Out There” tour, a project that took almost two years to complete; and, most recently, the iHeartCountry Music Festival, which makes its return this May.
Mentors and both current and past coworkers of Graham expressed their emotions when they learned of his retirement:”From visiting graduations, concerts, memorial services, and other events, I was aware of John’s outstanding efforts long before I was appointed Men’s Athletics Director. I’ve always thought highly of the way he ran the Erwin Center. In addition to overseeing all Longhorn Athletics activities in a first-rate manner for decades, he often brings in some of the best entertainment Austin has to offer, both for our campus and the community. The Erwin Center is always hosting something spectacular, and John and the crew are fantastic at taking care of every little thing so that a range of events may happen without a hitch. I’ve always been impressed by how quickly things move between events that are carefully scheduled. Since I became Men’s AD, I’ve been grateful for John and his join the many admirers in wishing him a happy retirement. — Men’s Athletics Director Mike Perrin.
Our Frank Erwin Center is now known as the most productive on-campus arena in the world thanks to John’s commitment to excellence and service, as well as his wise management. His ability to collaborate with producers and artists from throughout the country and beyond has enhanced Austin’s sports, entertainment, music, and arts scenes. Everyone who has attended events at the Erwin Center, from opera to commencements, has reason to be proud.” — Chris Plonsky, Director of Women’s Athletics.”John has been instrumental in elevating Austin’s, the University of Texas’, and the central Texas region’s entertainment scene. Since the Erwin Center became part of Texas Athletics in 2000, his professionalism has been a terrific asset, and his work at the Erwin Center demonstrates his commitment to upholding our beloved Texas traditions. Although I hate to see him go, I know he will adore it because of my personal experience.” – DeLoss Dodds, 1981–2013, Former Director of Texas Athletics “John Graham oversees the Frank Erwin Center, which is one of the most challenging positions at The University. In addition to upholding the Erwin Center’s financial integrity, he is in charge of fostering positive relationships with all of its employees, performers, and visitors. When John departs, The University will miss his passion for excellence in everything.” — Dr. William Cunningham, the University of Texas System’s former chancellor
There are many team members in a team firm that aren’t always visible and don’t wear numbers. In my more than thirty years as a coach at The University of Texas, John Graham has been the most valuable member of the squad. He was in charge of the practice and game area and consistently gave our program first priority. That wasn’t always simple to accomplish because the Erwin Center hosts a lot of events, but he saw how crucial it was for our team to be ready, and having access to the space was essential to that. His ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and roles has always impressed me. He got along well with every athlete, although he also individuals in the entertainment industry. I found that to be really impressive. He was in charge of and had numerous relationships for introducing a huge number of people and activities to Austin and our neighborhood. I wonder if he’s received enough credit for that. John Graham has a wonderful rapport with a wide range of entertainers and their representatives. John will be missed by all of us at UT Athletics, but I believe the people of Austin will miss him more. He had a crucial role in providing the Erwin Center with fantastic entertainment. John is also a fantastic friend and supporter of all the student-athletes who have attended and participated in events at The University of Texas.” — Jody Conradt, head coach of the UT women’s basketball team from 1976 to 2007
“We did not have a practicing facility of our own throughout the ten years I was at Texas. Any chance we had to practice in the Erwin Center was greatly appreciated. Whenever we asked to use the Erwin Center for practice, John Graham would always comply, even if it meant lowering the floor and raising it the same day. John was aware of the significance that was for our staff and athletes. John and his team were consistently helpful and professional. The Frank Erwin Center was one of America’s premier performance spaces from 1988 to 1998. It was always immaculate and pure. It demonstrated how proud John Graham was of the Frank Erwin Center, our basketball team, and The University of Texas on a personal and professional level. Regards, John Graham, the Erwin Center is still a stunning structure.” — Tom Penders, Head Coach of the UT Men’s Basketball Team from 1988 to 1998
“John Graham took his role at the Frank Erwin Center very seriously, and that is what stands out to me from my time at Texas.” We entered the building together through the back entrance numerous times in the morning. ‘How can we get better?’ he would question me, along with a great deal of other employees and customers. John wanted our basketball program to benefit from the building. Furthermore, he desired that the venue serve the needs of the patrons regardless of the event taking place.” — Rick Barnes, Head Coach of the UT Men’s Basketball Team from 1998 to 2015.”John Graham embodies what it means to be a special events center director. I am aware that not only do the performers think highly of John, but so do their managers and event promoters. While working with me at UT Austin, John was not only a great director but also a terrific friend. I asked John for assistance on special events several times after I moved from UT. At the Frank C. Erwin Special Events Center, John has assembled a superb crew, but he will be much missed. I hope John enjoys his retirement with Crystal and John.” — Former Associate Vice President Joe Powell
Graham commented, “Without the diligent and hardworking staff at the Erwin Center, none of the wonderful things that these people had to say about me would have been possible.” in reaction to his peers’ positive recognition. We worked together to attain our success. What I’m most proud of is that.”
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