Community Service - Scholar Baller

Scholar Baller seeks to bridge the gap between the educational, athletic, and entertainment communities in America. By eliminating the cultural disconnects between these three entities, student- athletes will gain a more holistic understanding for how education, sport and entertainment can become one healthy lifestyle. This will in turn help student-athletes create a positive self-image and compete with passion and integrity in all aspects of their life.

On Saturdays, the volunteers for this service organization teach the Scholar Baller curriculum to students from the YMCA Black Achievers program. The students in the Black Achievers program consist of 9th-12th grade male and females from various high schools in the Orlando area. The six main principles in the Scholar Baller curriculum include lessons on self identity and social identity, the competitive spirit, scholar baller paradigm/ standard, vision, purpose, mission, and goals, decision making system, and vision, industry, self-respect, perseverance, success and humility. In addition to teaching the Scholar Baller curriculum, the volunteers in this organization also assist with the YMCA Black Achiever Junior-Senior sessions. During these sessions, the volunteers serve as mentors to high school junior and seniors and assist them with various components of the college application process and ultimately help them prepare for post-secondary education.

When asked about her views on the Scholar Baller Program, Nicole Fowler (Class of 2010) said that "I have never come across a program like Scholar-Baller that uses a unique mix of sport, entertainment and education to mentor students-athletes to be positive role models and give back to the community. It is very rewarding to help these great student-athletes realize that they can be successful on the field, in the classroom, and in life."

For more information about this and other community service projects coordinated through the DeVos Program, please feel free to e-mail us at devosprogram@gmail.com.

- Cara

Distinguished Speaker Series - October

As we have mentioned before, one of the great privileges of being a student in the DeVos Program is to meet face-to-face with leading experts in the field of sport and have the opportunity to listen to their personal stories of life in the business and question them on a range of topics pertinent to our careers. In the month of October, the classes of 2009 and 2010 have been very fortunate to listen to several excellent guest speakers. Abe Madkour, executive editor of the SportBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, and Dr. Jay Coakley, a leading American sport sociologist and professor emeritus at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, each paid a visit to Orlando as featured speakers in the DeVos Distinguished Speaker Series.

Abe Madkour blew our classes away with his encyclopedic knowledge of every sport and understanding of current trends and issues facing the sports industry. Mr. Madkour oversees the leading publications for sports business executives and thus has a powerful voice in shaping the dialogue on important topics in the industry. As students in the DeVos Program, we have made it a point to start our week by reading the latest issue, so it was particularly fascinating to us to hear how he goes about his editorial decisions and how he sees his role in the industry.

Earlier this month, Dr. Jay Coakley discussed at length some of his research involving the death of amateur sport, the theory of “neo-liberalism in sport” and professional sports as a reflection of societal values among many fascinating topics. Many of our classmates have utilized Dr. Coakley’s textbooks during their undergraduate education and were quite interested in hearing his insights on many key societal issues in sport. Dr. Coakley was a very engaging speaker and gave us great access by continuing to answer our questions even through the post-speech reception. The pictures below show several students from both classes mingling and enjoying our time together at the post-speech reception following one of our great speakers.

Coming up in the weeks ahead, we look forward to hearing from both Floyd Keith, the director of the Black Coaches Association, as well as members of Disney’s Wide World of Sports Leadership Team. We will be sure to post our reactions from what will surely two equally exciting events in our DeVos Distinguished Speaker Series.

Enjoy The Day,

Charlie

Community Service - Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek, Florida’s Hole in the Wall Camp, was started by Paul Newman and is a place where children with chronic or life threatening illnesses can safely enjoy the activities of a “traditional” camp. The mission of Camp Boggy Creek is to create camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. They offer week long summer sessions as well as family weekends during the fall and spring. Each session or weekend brings children together with the same illness so they realize that they are not alone.

During family weekends you can be assigned as either a family pal or an activity pal. Activity pals are stationed at certain activity sites (for example, archery or boating and fishing) and are there to help explain the activity and ensure that everyone remains safe. A family pal is assigned to a family and goes everywhere that the family wishes to go. They are responsible for ensuring everyone is having a good time and getting involved, as well as allowing the parents a chance to relax and not worry about their children. During family weekends the child with the illness is able to bring their siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, ect. to camp with them.

I volunteered for the Rheumatic family weekend held September 26-28, 2008 and was assigned as a family pal. My family was Macayla, an adorable 11-year-old girl with Rheumatic disease who was the best hula-hooper I’ve ever seen; her mom, Christy; her best friend, Megan, a 12-year-old girl who is great at gymnastics; and Megan’s mom, Heather. My girls loved archery so we spent a lot of time there but we also took a paddle boat out on the lake, made race cars in woodshop, played miniature golf, and went to a pool party for all of the campers. It was nice because their moms were able to spend some time together and relax while I got to run around and play with the kids. On Saturday night we had a dance with a superheroes theme. Macayla and Megan loved to dance and I got to teach them the Cupid’s Shuffle and the Electric Slide. On the last day the kids had a talent show. My girls were a little shy so they didn’t participate but we enjoyed watching the other campers display their talents. As my fellow classmate, Eric Little, said, “It was a really fun experience and an opportunity to be a kid again. The motto is ‘Play with Kids’ and the camp really embodies that”.

Throughout camp three “medallions” were passed around to anyone who displayed acts of kindness. Macayla and Megan were given a medallion for being a hopper and getting the breakfast for the families at our table. They gave me the medallion almost immediately after getting it for being their family pal. It was a very special moment for me. In addition they wrote very sweet letters to their moms and me which were read to all of the families after the talent show. Their kindness, generosity and selflessness are inspirational. Macayla and Megan, along with all of the other campers and their families, truly are superheroes for their courage, hope, and positive attitudes.

- Jessica, Class of 2009

Community Service - Read2Succeed

One major component of the DeVos Program is the opportunity to volunteer and interact in the greater Orlando community. The Read2Succeed Program takes place in schools around Orange County with the goals of increasing literacy in area second graders and building these students’ confidence and interest in reading. Since its humble beginnings at five school sites three years ago, the program now enrolls nearly 450 volunteers at over 40 schools.

This semester, Alejandra, Lauren, Jama and myself are volunteering at Hidden Oaks Elementary where we each tutor four children a week. Between interactive group games and one-on-one reading time, we keep our sessions fresh and entertaining for the kids so that they enjoy reading and learn the comprehension skills necessary to keep pace in the classroom.

Alejandra summed up her thoughts on the Read2Succeed Program by saying how rewarding it was just to interact with her students at Hidden Oaks. “I love going in every week and greeting my kids with a smile and hug. We really can’t tell yet how much our efforts together have positively impacted their reading skills, but the kids are definitely more interested in reading overall. Each time I walk them back to their classroom at the end of our session they promise they will read more at home and how they can’t wait to meet again next week.”

Enjoy The Day

- Charlie

Meet The Class of 2010 - Hiroki

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Hiroki Kosugi
Hometown: Sapporo, Japan
Undergraduate College: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Major: Sport Management
Background: Intern for Fantasia Entertainment Inc. and Soccer Player for the Sagawa Express, a semi-professional soccer team

Future Career Goals: My goal is to work on the marketing side for a professional sports organization

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: After being initially recommended to the DeVos Program by my undergraduate program chair, I set my sights on DeVos due to the program's terrific emphasis on and connections with sport marketing. Additionally, the Florida weather and Orlando location were hard to pass up!

Meet The Class of 2010 - Jama

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Jama Frederick
Hometown: Jasper, TN
Undergraduate College: The University of Tennessee
Undergraduate Major: Sport Management, Minor in Business Administration
Background: Intern for the Tennessee Baseball Office, Tennessee Football Community Relations and AAU Junior Olympics.

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: Graduate Assistant to Dr. Keith Harrison and the Scholar-Baller Program

Future Career Goals: Undecided on a specific position, but I want to explore the world of professional sports in the upcoming semesters to narrow my choices.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: Among the variety of reasons I chose this program were the emphasis on ethics and diversity, the opportunity to earn two degrees, and the chance to learn from a knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated staff in a "family" environment.

Meet The Class of 2010 - Derek

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Derek Cowan
Hometown: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Undergraduate College: Carleton University – Ottawa, Ontario
Undergraduate Major: Commerce Specialized in Marketing, Minor in Economics
Background: Corporate Hospitality and Suites – Tennis Canada & Rogers Cup, Volunteer Manager – Rogers Cup, Intramural Director – high school and University Athletics, Certified Coach – curling, basketball, baseball

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: Premium Seating UCF Knights Football and G.A. in the Marketing Office through the Marketing Internship Program

Future Career Goals: In the short term, I am interested in marketing, promotions or operations with an NBA organization or multi-sport/event facility. The long term goal is to become the President/CEO of the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: After the harsh realization that I would not become a professional athlete, I wanted to find a way to be involved in the work that goes on behind the scenes. So the decision to head the sports business route was simple, and the chance to earn dual degrees was a definite selling point. I was also looking for a program that would help to further my knowledge, provide the opportunity to gain practical experience (in class and through an internship), allow access to industry renowned professors and setup activities to give back to the Orlando community. The DeVos Program provides the opportunity for all of these goals to be accomplished. Plus, the weather in Central Florida isn’t hard to take either!

Hitting The Road To Daytona International

Earlier this week, the Class of 2010 traveled to Daytona to visit the Daytona International Speedway (DIS) as part of our DeVos Guest Speaker Series. The event started off with a buffet lunch in Bill France’s (Chairman & CEO, Nascar) skybox overlooking the start/finish line. After lunch, we had the privilege to speak with leaders from both Nascar and DIS, including Robin Braig, the President of DIS and Steve Phelps, Chief Marketing Officer for Nascar. Following this we took a quick trip on top of the skybox to get the best view of the track from where the driver’s spotters are stationed during a race.

Next, we headed over to the Daytona 500 Experience to learn some of the history of the track and test our racing skills through friendly competition in racing simulators in Acceleration Alley. We ended the day by taking a tram tour of the track. There was some shock among us as we got into the track and realized just how narrow the track actually is considering the drivers will sometimes push the envelope and drive four wide. The amazement grew as we entered the first turn and saw firsthand the magnitude of the 31° banking in the turns.



Going into the day, most of the 2010 class had fairly limited exposure to Nascar. After touring the track and experiencing its incredible size and hearing some of the staggering figures concerning Nascar’s revenue, fan loyalty, sponsorship commitment and television ratings, many of our preconceived notions of the sport had changed. Most of us now have a new appreciation for the sport and may be buying our first tickets to a Daytona or Nascar event in the coming months. I personally have been an avid fan of the sport and have been to a couple Nascar races before, but getting to see Daytona in person for the first time was a great personal treat for me. I look forward to other future events in the Guest Speaker Series that are equally as entertaining and fulfilling.

Chris

Meet The Class of 2010 - Nathalie

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Nathalie Dionne Reshard
Hometown: Niceville, AL
Undergraduate College: The University of Alabama
Undergraduate Major: Business Management
Background: Member of the Alabama Women's Basketball Team

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: G.A. in the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports (TIDES)

Future Career Goals: To become the general manager for the Los Angeles Lakers

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: Opportunity to be involved with a program that is about more than just taking some extra classes

Meet the Class of 2010 - Chris

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Chris Kamke
Hometown: Blacksburg, VA
Undergraduate College: Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: G.A. in the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports (TIDES) and UCF Football Guest Services

Future Career Goals: My goal is to work in marketing for an NBA franchise

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: I was interested in the DeVos program because of the professors, the commitment to community service, the annual class trip to meet with leaders in the industry and the partnership with the Orlando Magic

Meet the Class of 2010 - Cara

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Cara Lopresti
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate College: Duke University
Undergraduate Major: Sociology, Markets & Management
Background: Intern for Cal Ripken Experience, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Sun Sports and Academic Services for Student Athletes at UCF

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: G.A. in the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports (TIDES) and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS)

Future Career Goals: I would like to work in academic services for student athletes after I graduate, starting off as an Academic Advisor and then eventually the Director of Academic Support Services

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: I really bought into the idea of using sports as a vehicle for social change. I have always had a passion for making a difference in the world and I know that the Devos Program is the right place to make this goal happen

Meet the Class of 2010 - Alejandra

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Alejandra Diaz-Calderon
Hometown: Guadalajara, Mexico
Undergraduate College: University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Major: Finance
Background: Captain of the Notre Dame Women's Golf Team for 2007 and 2008, SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Council) golf representative, Notre Dame Big East SAAC representative

Current Graduate Assistantship or Employment: G.A. in the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports (TIDES)

Future Career Goals: In process of targeting my ideal career choice, but as of today I'd be most interested in working in college athletics.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: I identified through several sources that DeVos was regarded as one of the top 5 programs in the country for Sport Business Management. What separated DeVos from the rest of the pack was it's focus on social issues plaguing sports and knowing that we would be empowered to be leaders on confronting these problems.