December 1–3, 2011
After introductions around the room, Athletic Director Harry Sheehy ’55a addressed the committee. Summarizing his first 15 months on the job, he said his priorities have included increasing resources for athletics with new fundraising endeavors, raising expectations of coaches, enhancing fan behavior,developing a strong relationship with the admissions and financial aid departments, and rolling out of the Peak Performance initiative. Sheehy said he is thankful for his strong staff and is continuously amazed by the passion of Dartmouth alumni.
Sheehy then provided an overview of athletics, which pointed out that there is still work to be done when it comes to winning Ivy League titles and included a fall varsity sports recap, an update on the state of Dartmouth football, and fall club sports highlights. He added that the committee can help by conveying alumni concerns to athletics leadership, informing the entire Alumni Council and constituents of important athletics issues and challenges, and informing alumni of ways to support athletics.
Deputy Athletic Director Bob Ceplikas ’78 then gave a presentation on admissions, financial aid, and fundraising. He stated that there is better communication and predictability with admissions, which puts Dartmouth on a level playing field with the other Ivies. In the last three years, there have been no athletic recruits denied at Dartmouth and admitted by another Ivy League institution. He reviewed the concept behind Academic Index, the pros and cons of the current financial aid situation, and major fundraising initiatives, including endowed coaching positions, facilities, annual giving to athletics, and the new staff dedicated to athletic fundraising.
There was a student-athlete panel that consisted of Sabrina Chiasson ’12, captain, women’s alpine skiing; David Rufful ’12, captain, men’s basketball; and Kate Desrochers ’12, captain, women’s ultimate Frisbee. The seniors spoke about their experience as student-athletes at Dartmouth.
This was followed by a coaches panel with Erin Lindsey, the new head coach of women’s volleyball, who led the team to an 8-6 Ivy record in her first year; and Bob Whalen ’79a, head baseball coach since 1989, who has led his team to three Ivy titles and four division crowns in the last four years. Lindsey and Whalen talked about their core values as coaches.