The trophy's namesakes are Dean James E. Foy, V, who served at both Auburn and Alabama and the father of photojournalist Mary Lou Foy, and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Honor Society, which has circles at both universities.
The award is named after Dean James E. Foy, V, a veteran who worked at both Auburn and Alabama, as well as the father of photojournalist Mary Lou Foy, and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Honor Society, which has branches at both institutions.