Thomas M. Lotz
Crew, 1957
2002 Letterwinner of Distinction
2002 Letterwinner of Distinction
Thomas Lotz is a graduate of Syracuse University with a bachelor of arts degree with a major in social studies education from the School of Arts and Science. He was a four-year member of the crew team and earned three varsity letters (1955-57).
Following graduation, Lotz entered the service where he stayed for more than 24 years until his retirement from the United States Army in 1981. Lotz retired as a Lieutenant Colonel during his final assignment as a professor of military science at the University of Houston.
During his time in the military he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. During the 24 years of service he was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, Korea and Greenland. He was also stationed stateside at Fort Riley, Fort Sill, Fort Bliss and Fort Hood. Throughout his time in the service Lotz graduated from the United States Army Command & General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, and earned his master's degree in education from Kansas State University.
Following his years of service in the military, Lotz held various governmental positions in the City of Houston and Harris County TX, along with his political activity as a campaign manager and consultant for statewide and local candidates for public office. Presently Lotz is the sports director for the Houston 2012 Foundation. The foundation is preparing and managing Houston’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. Houston was selected as one of the “final four” cities still competing to be named the United States Candidate City.
Lotz is also very involved within his community and has stayed very involved with the Rowing Association. He officiates at regattas on a local, regional and national basis. He has also officiated several intercollegiate championships as well as several national team trials. He is designated as a clinician with the association, which means he is responsible for training, selection and evaluation of other judges and referees. He is also the founding member of the Bay Area Rowing Club of Houston.
Lotz is also the founding member of Operation Dependant Shield Foundation, a non-profit organization established to provide financial assistance to military dependants during the Persian Gulf War. Lotz is also a member of the Board of the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation. This foundation receives, allocates and distributes funds to legal services programs for the poor and indigent in the state of Texas. In 1996 Tom volunteered at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, serving at the rowing venue at Gainesville, GA.
Lotz has remained very active with his alma mater. He is an active member of the Varsity Club, Orange Pack and the Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association (SARA). Lotz is the founding member of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Greater Houston that was honored at the 1999 Homecoming for having the best alumni club program.
