As Director of Athletics and Recreation, I am pleased to have this opportunity to comment on the contributions of the Class of 2001 to the Department of Athletics and Recreation. In my capacity, I have the benefit of seeing our students in many roles.
First and foremost, I see them as undergraduates trying to take advantage of the wide range of educational opportunities. We realize that athletics plays an important educational role for many of our students and the Class of 2001 took full advantage of what the department has to offer.
Let me begin by saying that I am proud of our progress in athletics and recreation at UR. Support from the College leadership, new facilities and a rejuvenated spirit have contributed to positive changes in student life.
Since my arrival in 1999, we have worked hard to meet our own high expectations for providing a positive undergraduate experience for students. Mostly though, I am proud of our student-athletes and other students who not only gain valuable experiences through our department, but also contribute enormously to its success.
I have come to know the Class of 2001 over the second half of their undergraduate life and during this time, we have experienced a lot of change together. I think of this class as being the first to substantially benefit from the renovations to the Goergen Athletic Center. Many members of the class worked hard with us to make the opening of the facility a success.
We employ 150 students per year in our department and I recognize that a great deal of leadership in these roles has come from the Class of 2001. They have helped us enormously in establishing substantial changes in our facility operation.
In the aspect of programming, our intramural program remains a source of great pride. The students who supervise these activities deserve much credit, and again the Class of 2001 has been a standard-bearer for this good work.
As far as varsity programs, they have continued to strengthen. Over the course of their careers, the Class of 2001 has contributed to conference championships, regional championships and number of post-season appearances. As individuals, the Class of 2001 has a number of All-Americans, Academic All-Americans and athletes who have qualified for post-season in individual sports. We have enjoyed strong leadership from the Class of 2001in all of our varsity sports and we will miss their solid presence.
I wish that this graduating class realizes that it never leaves the UR athletics family. Their roles change, but they continue to remain vital to our success. As alumni they become Friends of Rochester Athletics and we look forward to their future involvement.
Besides helping us field teams for alumni games, we will draw on their experiences to assist our recruitment of new students and seek their help in establishing career networks. I know the Class of 2001 will continue to serve UR ? just as a UR education will continue to serve them.
My hardy congratulations to the Class of 2001. You have made those of us in Athletics and Recreation very proud.
