DALLAS -- Between debating legislation and honoring those who have contributed to the success of the NCAA, the Association took a few moments to recognize one of its own at the 2005 Convention. Director of Executive Affairs Lydia Sanchez was feted at the annual CEO Reception for her 35 years of service to the national office.

A special message from NCAA President Myles Brand played on televisions within the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, and more than two dozen members of Sanchez's family attended the reception in her honor.

NCAA President Brand called Sanchez a "very special person" who "set the standard" for Convention organization.

"Lydia Sanchez is a person of quiet power and a source of reassurance," he said. "To her credit, she has broken in yet another NCAA president. In her unassuming and well-mannered way, she has instructed me and hundreds of other staff over the years about the traditions, expectations and professional ethics of the Association. Lydia is someone I and everyone, present and past, have learned to rely on for assurance that we are following the highest standards expected and required at the NCAA. And, if we need a little reminding, Lydia, in her polite but forceful manner, is there to help."

Three other long-time NCAA employees, representing more than 100 years of service to the organization, read quotes lauding Sanchez from the three past NCAA presidents -- all of whom she served.

Sanchez accepted a framed collage with pictures of each of the presidents and their individual comments about her.

NCAA Executive Vice-President Tom Jernstedt quoted the Association's first executive director, Walter Byers: "During the early going when the NCAA was trying to prove its worthiness -- and there were some rough engagements along the way -- no one surpassed Lydia's commitment and effort to make sure things were done right."

Wally Renfro, senior advisor for communications, read comments from Byers' successor, Richard D. Schultz.

"The NCAA has been fortunate in having Lydia as a key staff member for so many years, as her leadership in so many areas helped create the ability of the organization to be quality throughout," Schultz wrote.

Finally, Vice-President for Division I David Berst read praise from immediate past president Cedric Dempsey.

"Her dedication, loyalty and service to the membership epitomize the goals of the NCAA national office. For 35 years, she has served as a role model for those working at the NCAA," Dempsey wrote. "In the nine years we worked together, Lydia became a special member of our family."

Though the program was meant to be a surprise, Sanchez admitted she had known about it for two months. Fighting tears, she said she was both humbled and embarrassed. She paid tribute to her mother, who, she said, taught her to "work hard and be brave."

"These have been the best 35 years of my life," she said.