CHRIS HARTOWICZ
2026 AD Legacy Award Winner

Nominated by Dale Young, Dave Flynn, and Adolph DeGrauwe
Chris Hartowicz represents the very definition of lifelong dedication, leadership, and impact that the Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Award was created to honor.

Chris holds a distinction unmatched in Cavaliers history as the only color guard member to march nine seasons with the corps, from 1969 through his age-out year in 1977. During that remarkable tenure, he contributed to four national championship titles—an achievement attained by only a select few Cavaliers. His leadership qualities were evident even as a performing member, earning him the role of Guard Sergeant, and he further extended his influence as an instructor for both the corps and winter guard programs.

While his marching accomplishments alone are extraordinary, they represent only the beginning of Chris’s enduring legacy. For more than 50 years following his performing career, Chris has remained a cornerstone of the Cavaliers organization. His decade-plus service on the Board of Directors—culminating in six years as Board President—came during some of the most challenging financial and organizational periods in the corps’ history. During this critical time, Chris played a pivotal role in stabilizing and transforming the organization. He was instrumental in recruiting high-impact board members, professionalizing operations, and establishing the Cavaliers Investment Club—laying the foundation for long-term financial sustainability.

Chris’s generosity reflects a lifelong commitment to the Cavaliers, expressed through both his personal support and his dedication of time and effort. Equally impactful is his willingness to lead by example—engaging others, fostering a culture of giving, and strengthening the organization through his advocacy and outreach.

Among his many contributions, Chris’s leadership in the creation of the 2008 60th Anniversary Alumni Corps (CAC888) stands as a defining achievement. His vision and guidance brought this historic ensemble to life, resulting in one of the most memorable performances in Cavaliers history and establishing a standard that alumni corps across Drum Corps International continue to aspire to. Just as importantly, the 60th Anniversary Corps served as a powerful catalyst for re-engaging Cavaliers alumni, many of whom remain actively involved today as donors, volunteers, and board members—creating a lasting and measurable impact on the organization’s strength and continuity.

Chris continues to directly drive critical fundraising efforts for the organization. He personally leads two of the Cavaliers’ most successful initiatives—the bourbon raffle, which has become a model replicated by other organizations, and the DCI suite experience—both of which generate significant revenue while deepening engagement with supporters.

Chris’s influence extends beyond the Cavalier’s. As a leader within the Drum Corps International board consortium, he has served as a speaker and advisor, helping to strengthen collaboration among organizations and advance the activity as a whole. His efforts elevated the Cavaliers’ role as a leader within the broader drum corps community.

Perhaps most telling is the legacy of service he has inspired within his own family, with his son contributing at the national level within DCI and his daughter serving in a senior board role with the Phantom Regiment. This continuation of service reflects the values Chris has embodied throughout his life.

Chris Hartowicz’s unparalleled combination of performance excellence, sustained leadership, financial stewardship, and lifelong service places him in the highest echelon of Cavaliers alumni. His impact is not measured in years, but in generations.

For these reasons, Chris Hartowicz is a truly deserving recipient of the Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Award.