DAVIS, Calif. — The University Credit Union Center echoed with history on Saturday January 24th, not just from the cheers of returning legends, but from the voice that has amplified Aggie Pride for decades.

UC Davis men's basketball celebrated Alumni Day while bidding a fond farewell to longtime public address announcer Larry Swanson, who called his final game behind the microphone during the Aggies' 74-66 win over UC Riverside.

During a pregame ceremony, Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca presented Swanson with a commemorative golden microphone, honoring his enduring legacy as the "Voice of the Aggies" for football, gymnastics and men's basketball.

"Larry Swanson is one of the primary reasons UC Davis has the Division I athletics program it does today. His vision, passion, and tireless commitment helped lay the foundation for Aggie Athletics as we know it, and his influence is felt in every corner of this department. As a Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Famer, Larry's love for UC Davis has been instrumental in building not only our programs, but our culture. He has been a trusted friend and mentor to generations of Aggie Pack leaders and athletics staff, and his legacy will continue to guide us long after his final call. Thank you, Larry." 

Swanson's presence has been synonymous with UC Davis Athletics for more than 50 years.

While Swanson's voice is instantly recognizable to generations of fans, his impact extends far beyond the scorer's table. He helped shape the culture, traditions and fan experience that define Aggie Athletics today.

Swanson served as associate athletics director of external affairs for 20 years before retiring in 2008 and was instrumental in building what became the modern "Aggie Pride" experience. He founded TeamAGGIE (now known as the Champion Aggies Club), the department's official booster organization, and helped establish the Aggie Pack in 1992, which grew into one of the largest student spirit organizations in the nation.

Swanson arrived at UC Davis in 1972, spending 12 years in housing as associate director for business before briefly leaving campus to oversee construction of the Chaminade Hotel in Santa Cruz. He returned to UC Davis Athletics in 1986 as business manager and moved into the associate athletics director role in 1988. Prior to retirement, his portfolio included marketing and promotions, creative communications, media relations, and sport supervision across six programs.

Though he stepped away from his administrative role nearly two decades ago, Swanson remained a constant presence at Aggie games, maintaining a direct connection to student-athletes and the Davis community. His final sign-off on Saturday marked the end of an era.

"Larry is part of the fabric of this program, and his voice has been behind some of our biggest moments," said Head Coach Jim Les. "To be able to honor his legacy in front of generations of returning players was special. Larry cares about this university as much as anyone, and he will forever be a part of our Aggie basketball family."

The evening was further elevated by the return of more than 40 UC Davis men's basketball alumni, who gathered on campus to celebrate the brotherhood that defines the program.

Alumni Day provided a meaningful opportunity for former teammates to reconnect across eras and for the Aggie community to rally around the current roster, reinforcing the lasting relationships and shared pride that continue to shape UC Davis men's basketball.