The college athletics and higher education communities said farewell to the late NCAA President Myles Brand on Wednesday night with a rich ceremony that highlighted Brand’s intellect, drive and passion for life.

Though the program was filled with recollections, Indiana University Michael McRobbie added a forward-looking element when he announced the creation of an endowed chair for cancer research in Brand’s name. McRobbie announced that $1.1 million already has been raised and that the university will donate another $1 million. Brand, who formerly served as president at Indiana, died September 16 after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz hosted the event, which was conducted on the floor of Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and carried live on CBS College Sports. Dignitaries from education and intercollegiate athletics shared their memories of Brand, who was the first institutional president to serve as the NCAA’s president.

“He was a good and faithful friend who remained a philosopher at heart even after he ascended to high levels of leadership,” said Marshall Swain, professor emeritus at Ohio State and a former associate of Brand.

Basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Paul Hewitt and Pat Summitt all praised Brand for his ability to consider their points of view. “Many people who are that smart speak and never listen,” said Krzyzewski, whose remarks were presented via videotape.

Soprano Sylvia McNair and rock star John Mellencamp, to whom Brand awarded an honorary doctorate while at Indiana, sang in Brand’s honor. Mellencamp performed “Longest Days” and “Save Some Time to Dream” while McNair performed “Down to the River to Pray” and an upbeat arrangement of “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

Speaker after speaker noted Brand’s tenacity. Swain described how Brand, still covered in mud, still showed up to teach a philosophy class only minutes after a serious car accident. Others noted how he confronted his terminal disease.

“I watched in amazement over the last nine months as Myles fought a gallant battle,” said University of Georgia President Michael Adams, chair of the NCAA Executive Committee, “and while I am sure there were dark moments, he never said a complaining word in my presence. Through sheer determination, I believe he lived 50 percent longer than what doctors had told him was likely. Even during his last weeks, he made enormous contributions to the Association. To the best of my knowledge, he did not miss a single major meeting. By sheer force of will, he forced his body to function to the very end.”

Other presenters included Nils Hasselmo, president emeritus of the University of Minnesota; Garrett Hongo, poet and writer; John Walda, president of the National Association of College and University Business Officers; NCAA Vice President Wallace Renfro; and former NCAA intern Jocelyn Fisher.

The evening ended with remarks from Brand’s son, Josh.

“We have a small but close-knit family,” Brand said, “and over these last few months, I’ve been thinking about the meaning of family. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be part of a large family, especially in trying times like these. Well, tonight, I really do feel like I’m part of a big family, thanks to you all.”