The Living Classroom

From the Rough

2011-07-22T14:43:00.005-04:00

Before we left for break, we had the opportunity to screen the independent film, "From the Rough". It’s the heart-warming, refreshing, and true story of a men’s golf team at Tennessee State University that is coached and led by Catana Starks (played by Taraji P. Henson). LeToya Luckett, Michael Clark Duncan, and Tom Felton (for your Harry Potter fans) join Henson on the screen to show the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a golf team that is forced to come together or risk falling apart. Each character must face past demons and fears to emerge from the rough on the golf course and in life.

A few things came to mind after I screen this movie. I was reminded of several movies with sports backdrops like Seabisquit, The Blind Side, and Remember the Titans when I watched this film. It’s the classic underdog story with so many layers such that you get a good sense of every character and his or her story in the film. It was also refreshing to see another film centered around a historically black university. We’ve seen “Drumline” and “Stomp the Yard”, but this one provides another viewpoint of the HBCU experience.

Personally, I enjoyed the film, and the way that it brought pressing issues that it brought to the forefront. This movie finds a way to shed light on race, culture, gender, socio-economic status, love, defeat, and triumph and wrap it all into one movie about one team. I’m excited to see what happens with this movie once it is released to the public in the Fall.

Be sure to like “From the Rough” on Facebook and follow @gyremovies on Twitter and visit www.FromtheRoughMovie.com.

Andrew Lilly

Meet the Class- Jeremy

2011-07-22T14:35:00.003-04:00

Meet the Class - Tavia

2011-06-06T11:21:00.003-04:00

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: Tavia Record

Hometown: Brampton

Undergraduate School & Major:
University of Central Florida
English Creative Writing, BA

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
*Athletics Compliance Office Volunteer
*Graduate Assistant Student-Athlete Advisor and Mentor in the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences
*International Full-Scholarship Track & Field Student-Athlete

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another.
-Proverbs 27:17

I acted on a desire to be challenged by the best sport management directorship and a diverse cohort to increase my strength as a leader and to learn new ways to use my gifts to uplift others.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
My short-term career goals

*Become a leading image consultant that is known for helping professional athletes maximize their potential in the public eye. I would meet the needs of my clients by providing service and assistance in personal project development, philanthropy, public relations, garnering sponsorships and brand management.

*Represent Canada at the 2012 Olympics in the 400m and 4x400m relay

*Expand my image consulting project for youth, which stems from my belief that every child deserves to feel validated and to be given the guidance to embark on their dreams

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
It would be awesome to have the ability to travel in time to…

*rewind to visit various eras in history

*pause priceless moments that I have shared with my family, friends, teammates, coaches, mentors, sorority sisters and the President’s Leadership Council

*fast-forward to peek at how the seeds I’ve sown this season will take shape and bloom in the future

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I enjoy talking and learning from elderly people, so if I could jump into a time-travel mobile, I’d choose to visit my great-grandfather named Charles Griffiths. He was a World War I veteran who was known for being honorable, loyal, respectful and charming. From the stories that I’ve heard, he sounds like someone that I could laugh and talk with for hours. I would ask him to talk about how he stayed true to his values and how this paid off very well in his professional and personal life.

Favorite Stadium/Arena Experience- Amanda

2011-06-03T10:47:00.003-04:00

Stadiums/Arenas Visited:
Amway Center (Orlando Magic)
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
EverBank Field (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Fenway Park (Boston Redsox)
Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots/New England Revolution)
TD Garden (Boston Celtics/Boston Bruins)
Bank One Ballpark (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Daytona International Speedway (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500)
Brighthouse Networks Stadium (University of Central Florida)
New Orleans Arena (New Orleans Hornets)

Venues I’d like to Visit:
Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby)
Charlotte Motor Speedway (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series)
Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)
Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)
Cowboys Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)

Favorite Venue:
Gillette Stadium

Favorite Experience:
I hadn’t realized how many venues I had been to over the span of my short life until I started making this list. With each addition, I began to think about how fortunate I was to experience each of these stadiums/arenas and how each one of them had an entertaining story to accompany it. My most favorite fan experience took place at the TD Bank Garden during a Boston Celtics game. It was my informal introduction to Kevin Garnett. Sitting only three rows behind the Celtics bench provided just the view I needed to actually appreciate KG’s greatness in person. At the beginning of each home game, KG takes massive amounts of baby powder in his hands, throws it in the air, and then proceeds to both ends of the court drawing in the great cheers of the audience filled Garden. The game hadn’t even started and unknowingly my excited grip had already left fingernail impressions in my best friend Matt’s arm.

Amanda Barton

Favorite Stadium/Arena Experience- Chris M.

2011-05-31T12:26:00.004-04:00

Stadiums/Arenas visited:
MLB Spring Training
High Corbett Field (Colorado Rockies)
McKechnie Field (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Tucson Electric Park (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Professional
Al Lang Stadium (FC Tampa Bay)
American Airlines Arena (Miami Heat)
Angel Stadium (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
AT&T Park (S.F. Giants)
Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Florida Citrus Bowl (Orlando City Soccer)
Home Depot Center (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks)
Jobing.com Arena (Phoenix Coyotes)
Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)
New Orleans Arena (New Orleans Hornets)
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Staples Center (Los Angeles Lakers)
Superdome (New Orleans Saints)
Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Target Field (Minnesota Twins)
Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)
US Airways Center (Phoenix Suns)

International
Croke Park (Dublin, Ireland Gaelic Football & Rugby)

Venues I'd Like to Visit:
All major professional sporting venues (my bucket list)

Favorite Venue:
Lambeau Field, with due respects to Angels Stadium

Favorite Experience:
Being from Orange County, California, Angels Stadium feels like home for me. Growing up, tickets were $7 for kids and $13 for adults for the Family Fun Zone. I owe where I am today as it pertains to this field to reading an article about the CFO of the Angeles. I thought to myself, I love numbers and I love sports! If I could combine the two into a career I would enjoy every day at work. Since then, I have been very fortunate to work for teams such as the Colorado Rockies and the Orlando Magic.

But to the question of my favorite venue, Lambeau Field wins hands down. I have been a Packers fan all my life and I finally got to go to a game the year they won the Super Bowl! It was at Lambeau Field that I got to experience a true tailgate. My friend and I started at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse 3 hours before the game then met up with my buddy’s friends outside the stadium. I have never been colder in my life so I quickly befriended a man with a propane heater. He offered us food and even heat packs for the game! I even got to meet the Packers’ number one fan, NFL Owner (pictured below). When we got into the stadium, I walked around to absorb the experience. Hot chili was being served, people were making posters, and cheese heads were seen everywhere! One of the best moments was actually at halftime where I went to the restroom and it was heated! Outside it was 22 degrees and in the bathroom was 85! When I finally got back, I squeezed into my place and continued to cheer. I am proud to say I never sat down! For one, the seats were bleachers and would have been freezing. Secondly, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I didn’t want to miss a second. When the game was over and we beat the Bears, everyone was cheering, slapping hands, and having a good time in the parking lot.

In sports business management we are taught to be professionals, not fans. But for me, this was a pure fan experience. I hope it can inspire you to see the world out there as I have a goal of seeing all major professional sports venues before I die!

Thank you for reading and good luck on your adventures,

Chris Moran

Favorite Stadium/Arena Experience- Matt V.

2011-05-22T11:48:00.014-04:00

Stadiums/Arenas visited:
Amway Arena (Orlando Magic)
Amway Center (Orlando Magic)
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)
Brighthouse Networks Stadium (University of Central Florida)
Daytona Speedway
Florida Citrus Bowl

Venues I'd Like to Visit:
The new Marlins Stadium (opening next year)
Soldier Field (Chicago Cubs)
Fenway Park (Boston Redsox)
The New Yankees Stadium (New York Yankees)
Old Trafford (Machester United F.C.)
AT&T Park (S.F. Giants)
Just about any NFL stadium

Favorite Venue:
Toss up between Amway Center, Wrigley Field, and Raymond James

Favorite Experience:
I just started actually visiting professional (and collegiate) sports in person when I started college and could somewhat afford it. Growing up in Niceville Florida did not exactly offer any real live event opportunities. The first professional sporting event I ever went to was an Orlando Magic playoff game in April of 2009. The ticket was a birthday present to see the Magic take on the 76ers, on their way to the NBA Finals. Although that experience was great, it is not my favorite. It is hard to argue against the technological awe that the new Amway Center creates yet working there never really gave me the true "experience" of the arena. Raymond James Stadium's pirate ship is also hard to contend with. If you have never heard the cannons fire as Tampa scores, you're missing out on a great NFL tradition. My favorite experience however would have to be visiting the classic Wrigley Field for a daytime Cubs game versus the Braves. This was the second live professional sporting event I ever attended and first I paid for. There is nothing more relaxing than having an Old Style while sitting in the Chicago sun watching the manual scoreboard change for a Cubs home run. Although I grew up a Marlins fan (and still somehow I remain a Marlins fan) a little bit of me took in the Cubs as a sort of step child. To me that is a day I will always remember and cherish. Attending live events is something I have always wanted to make apart of my regular basis and something I am only recently being able to accomplish. With limited experiences in a growing hobby as well as the opportunities the DeVos program is creating for me with a career in sports, I hope to add to these experiences in the near future.

Matthew Vinson

What Is Your Price?

2011-05-19T11:56:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, our class had a passionate debate that forced us to look at college athletes and professional leagues through different lenses. Every league has its own policies concerning who is and who is not eligible to get drafted. The NFL requires a player to be at least 3 years out of high school before he is eligible to enter the draft and the NBA mandates one year out of high school. Meanwhile, the MLB allows teams to draft a player right out of high school, but if the player chooses not to go pro, he will not be draft-eligible until he is 21 years of age. I can’t speak for the entire class, but it seems to me like the MLB got it right. For the select few who are good enough to play professionally and excel, I think they should have the option. I think the MLB’s current policy would be great for the NBA, and consequently, put an end to the “one and done” phenomenon currently plaguing college basketball. I have no problem with the NFL’s rule because of the amount of contact and physical development required for the sport. As a class, we agreed that deciding whether or not athletes are ready to turn pro should be done on a case-by-case/league-by-league basis.

This healthy debate spawned into a more personal debate that hit a lot of us much closer to home. It is so easy for many of us to judge athletes who leave school early to pursue a professional career because many of us do not get that option. In actuality, very few college athletes really get that option. For most of us, it takes four years or more to earn a college degree so we can pursue our professional goals. Many of my classmates have realized that it often takes more than a bachelor’s degree to pursue our professional goals. We have also realized that the industry we are trying to break into or reenter is very competitive. We have to be willing to go the extra mile, work harder, work longer, and get a bit lucky to get to where we are trying to go. This begs the question of what our price is. What are we willing to do? How far are we willing to go? What are we willing to sacrifice? Mr. Keith Lee from the National Consortium for Academics and Sports joined our discussion and made us realize that we all come at a price.

For athletes fortunate enough to play professionally, six and seven figure contracts appear to be the driving force. At the same time, the rest of us have our own price. This point was driven home when Dr. Harrison asked how many of us would leave the DeVos program early if we had the opportunity to get our dream job. There were a few brave souls (myself included) who raised their hands. Mr. Lee furthered this point when he said that he could make us do almost anything if the price was right. That could be leaving school early, moving to a less than ideal city, or doing something unethical. The entire discussion just brought a lot of things into perspective for us. Everyone wants to be successful. Everyone wants to be happy and live the American Dream. Everyone is trying to figure out where they fit in this puzzle we call life. Everyone comes at a price.

Andrew Lilly

Meet the Class - Tony

2011-05-17T13:02:00.005-04:00

Meet the Class - Taunita

2011-04-28T12:17:00.003-04:00

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: Taunita Stephenson

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Gorgeous Prince Georges County, MD

Undergraduate School & Major:
Delaware State University; Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Greater Washington Sport Alliance; Intern
*Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program; Researcher
*Charlotte Bobcats; Intern
*Delaware State University; Game Time Ops Manager

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*GA for the National Consortium of Academics and Sport
*UCF Student Athlete Services and WomenTalkSports.com Volunteer

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I choose the DeVos Program because of its unique features. One, being the leadership of the program in Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Sutton, and Dr. Harrison. Their beliefs and connections offer us a lot to learn from. Two, being the cohort approach in the learning environment, giving us a tight family feel. Three, being the focus the program has on ethics, diversity, leadership and service. No other Sport Business Program and the country can offer all this in one package.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
Mainly helping athletes with their lives off the field. Whether this is professionally, with their own non-profits, at the collegiate level or in my own business, I am still unsure.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to see into the future, even if it’s just for a few minutes or a few months ahead. It would put my mind at ease to have some hint about where my life is going.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
Seriously, for me to answer this question, I would have to choose like 10 people. Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, Jay-Z, Pete Maravich are a few names that come to mind.

Meet the Class - Shantonie

2011-04-27T09:45:00.001-04:00

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: Shantonie Derrick

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois

Undergraduate School & Major:
I attended Hampton University, Class of 2009, and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing.

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
In the past, I have interned with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) under the Associate Commissioner, Jeffrey Mcleod, the NCAA Big Ten Basketball Tournament, and Northwestern University Athletics.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
I am currently a Graduate Assistant for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS).

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos program for its unique attributes that separates it from other programs. I was enticed by the dual degrees and the importance placed on diversity, leadership, and community service. I thought our three directors, Drs. Lapchick, Sutton, and Harrison, provided a wealth of knowledge and would not only create a plethora of opportunities but make my experience here one of a kind.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
My future career ambitions are to work in sports event planning for a professional league or team. I hope to in a few years be Director of Events and later in life own my own event planning business.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
If I could have any superpower I would like the ability to teleport because I am very impatient but like to travel and go places. I would love to be able to get to my destination in a matter of seconds!

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
If I had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, I would choose to interview Gail Hunter, Senior Vice President of Events and Attractions for the NBA as well as David Tutera, event planner extraordinaire. I would want to know what they love most about their jobs, to what do they attribute their success and what’s their most valuable asset in their toolbox?

Meet the Class - Wayne

2011-04-25T09:01:00.002-04:00

Meet the Class - Matt S.

2011-04-21T14:08:00.003-04:00

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: Matthew Stull

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Undergraduate School & Major:
Accounting at the University of South Florida

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
My past sports industry experiences is limited to the time I spent as a student-athlete. While at the University of South Florida I was a member of the baseball team for 4 years.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS)

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos program because it is truly unique. It is definitely attractive because of the two master level degrees and the connection to the Orlando Magic. However no other school in the country places the amount of emphasis on community service as the program does. Being able to be a top 5 sports management program and maintain this focus on community service is truly special and something I value deeply.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would love to be an Athletics Director at a division one university. My background and passion for collegiate sport fuels my desire to continue to be a part of amateur sports.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose the ability to fly. Being able to soar through the air would be an amazing feeling.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would like to interview Roberto Clemente, a truly transcendent figure whose impact went much further than the baseball diamond. I would love to sit down with the man who had a profound impact on America’s pastime. I would want to know what his opinions were on the current state of Major League Baseball.

Meet the Class - Matt V.

2011-04-12T09:21:00.004-04:00

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: Matthew C. Vinson

Hometown: Niceville, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Central Florida, Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*UCF Athletics Events and Facilities
*UCF Brighthouse Networks Stadium Premium Services

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*DeVos Website & Blog Updater
*Orlando Magic Box Office Representative
*2011 UCF Brighthouse Networks Stadium Director of Premium Services
*UCF Athletics Events and Facilities

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos Program because of the family aspect the program emphasizes with the incoming classes. When your program orientation is spent on a 10 hour bus ride to New Orleans to help rebuild someone's home, you know this program is something special. I also chose this program for the opportunity to listen to and learn from Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Harrison, and Dr. Sutton and the variety of knowledge they together contain.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work with developing technology in the marketing department aimed at bringing fans to the actual events. I aspire to then one day become team president of a professional sports franchise.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to teleport. Getting from point A to point B in no time would save me a lot of traveling and let me experience more in life.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would love to interview Barack Obama and listen to his thoughts and his opinions, unscripted, about where this nation is heading and the trials and tribulations he has endured to get to where he is today.

Drew’s Guide to Success for Future Classes

2011-04-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

Now that we’re almost finished with our first year of the program, I figured I’d pass along a few nuggets that I’ve picked up along the way. Keep in mind, I have not mastered all of these things, but I am still striving. With no further ado, I present “Drew’s Guide to Success for Future Classes”.

1. Load up on business casual/business professional attire.
We wear business casual to class every day and business professional whenever we have speakers, which is quite often. It caught me off guard when I first found out, but I’ve grown to appreciate it. There’s nothing like making heads turn when you’re walking around campus like you’re on your way to a board meeting. Ladies, keep it classy. Gentlemen, if you don’t know how to tie a tie, come see me immediately upon your arrival so I can laugh at you. I’m kidding. In all seriousness, any of the guys in my class would be happy to teach you.

2. Take advantage of the opportunities you will have to work with kids through community service.
We all volunteer at various places in the Orlando community, and it’s a very rewarding experience. The kids really do look up to you and look forward to seeing you every weekend. What’s better than tutoring kids and playing dodgeball and kickball? Nostalgia is a beautiful thing.

3. Find your escape.
DeVos has a way of taking over your life if you let it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I advise you to find an escape. Maybe you like reading books (that aren’t assigned), running, working out, going to concerts, or playing sports. Find something that takes your mind off the daily rigors of the program. I’m always amused when I learn some of the things my classmates use as escapes.

4. Learn how to work on a team.
I can’t overemphasize this. Your classmates are your teammates. Since you are part of a cohort, you are basically part of an army. Not everyone will be good at Finance or Accounting, but you may be. On the other hand, you may not be a good writer. The beauty of it is that you will be part of a team, and that is a powerful thing. Embrace it. There’s no need to try and be a superstar. We don’t hand out MVP awards.

5. Manage you time wisely.
I always thought I was pretty good at managing my time, but now I feel like I’m an expert at it. There are so many things that you will have to stay on top of as a DeVos student, but you will be better for it. Between classes, graduate assistantships (for those fortunate enough to get them), community service, work, your social life, and whatever else you deem important, you will quickly have to prioritize.

6. Find something outside of DeVos that helps develop your career.
My classmates have internships, blog for sports sites, and write articles for sports encyclopedias. Some of my other classmates work for the Orlando Magic or the Annika Foundation. Those are just a few examples. We’re all trying to better ourselves and take advantage of the golden opportunity that we’ve been given.

7. Be selective about how you spend your time.
You will find that there are about a million things you will be able to do while you are in the program. There will be countless opportunities for you to better yourself personally and professionally. However, you don’t need participate in all of them. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take on what you can and make sure you do them well before you try to add anything else.

8. Don’t forget where you come from and those who helped you get to where you are.
It is so easy to pat ourselves on the back for what we have accomplished, but none of us got where we are alone. Personally, I wouldn’t be here without my family, friends, and mentors. I realize I couldn’t have gotten this far in life without them. I also realize that I represent my family and those back home who have sacrificed or invested in me. The responsibility to make them proud is something that drives me every day.

9. If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, buckle up.
There are so many times that we have to stand before people and introduce ourselves, do a presentation, or speak on a topic. It can be nerve-racking and uncomfortable, but eventually, you will get used to it.

10. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re here.
This is a great program and you will certainly learn a lot in the classroom. However, it is important to get out and enjoy the state of Florida and city of Orlando. It is beautiful here. The amusements parks are great and the weather is wonderful. In my short time here, I have been able to do and experience things I never thought I would. I’ve seen a space shuttle launch, gone to DisneyWorld, gone to Universal Studios, played mud volleyball, eaten things I’d never heard of, taken a tour of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, gone to Miami, and gone to a Florida game at “The Swamp”. In a few weeks, a few of my classmates are going to Puerto Rico. Enjoy the ride. You will experience so many great things, and it will all be over before you know it. I implore you to open your minds, broaden your horizons, and embrace the diversity of your classmates.

I think that covers everything. Well, that covers almost everything. There are some things that I will leave to you’ll to learn for yourself, but if you let these 10 nuggets guide you, you will be great.

Andrew “Drew” Lilly

Meet the Class - Chris S.

2011-04-05T10:52:00.004-04:00

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: Christopher D. Sarpy

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Undergraduate School & Major: Tulane University: Undergraduate Major was Finance; also earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane Graduate School

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Worked for Gatorade during the NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)
*Graduate Assistant for the Hope for Stanley Alliance
*Premium Game Day Services Representative for UCF Football

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos Program because it had been repeatedly mentioned as one of the most respected programs in the nation. I was also impressed by the networking potential built through the program’s association with so many significant figures in the sports world.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work as a business analyst for an NFL, NBA, MLS, NHL, or MLB franchise, or I would like to work in a capology position for the NFL or NBA.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to teleport because it would be an unbelievable experience to travel all over the world without the concerns of cost and time.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would choose to interview former NFL Commissioners Bert Bell and Pete Rozelle. I would like to hear their views regarding the modern NFL, and I would ask what it means to them to be the architects of what is now the most popular & prominent professional sports league in the US.

Meet The Class- Aaron

2011-04-04T12:41:00.002-04:00

Meet the Class - Demetrius

2011-03-31T12:46:00.004-04:00

Meet the Class - Jake

2011-03-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

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: Jake Spiak

Hometown: Watervliet, NY

Undergraduate School & Major: Ithaca College, B.S. Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Ticket Sales and Services Intern, Tampa Bay Rays
*Ticket Sales Representative, Tampa Bay Rays
*Group Sales Executive, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
Florida Citrus Sports and Nelligan Sports Marketing, Corporate Sponsorship Sales.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
The ability to receive a duel degree is something that undoubtedly attracted me to this program. After further research, I saw that the DeVos program discussed topics and areas of sport that is hard to find in other programs. The ability to be in a diverse classroom with people from many different backgrounds is something that is very unique.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work in professional sports in either Corporate Partnership or Marketing with the goal of becoming a Team President.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose teleportation because I would love to travel to anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye and experience different things.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
George Steinbrenner, and I would like to know how he dealt with the criticism of New York fans and media over his management style during his ownership of the Yankees on his way to building one of the most powerful franchises in sport.

Meet the Class - Francisco

2011-03-28T09:18:00.005-04:00

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: Francisco Aristeguieta

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

Undergraduate School & Major: University of South Florida, Finance

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for TIDES
*NASCAR Diversity Department

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
My first reason was that my undergrad mentor, Justin Miller, told me that DeVos was the place for me. I have always trusted Justin, but once I started to research the program I realized that I want to be part of this family.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
My future plans are to work with soccer in Europe and learn as much as I can, so I can go back to my country and apply what I would learn. I think soccer is a key to make changes in Venezuela.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to change people’s mind. With this power I would try my best to change the way leaders in my country think, so they can start helping to build a better Venezuela.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would to interview my grand father (dad’s side), Fernando Aristeguieta. He died when I was 2 years old, so I never had the chance to really know him. He was one of Venezuela's most prominent engineers, and a devote person to social changes. He built schools for low income kids, and he constantly made donations for different organizations. He was a very loved and admired person by many, and when he died the President of Venezuela at that time assisted in his burial. I know that having the chance to talk to him even for just a few minutes would help me tremendously in my career.

Meet the Class - Christie

2011-03-25T09:02:00.006-04:00

The DeVos Life

2011-03-24T09:11:00.005-04:00

Wow!!! How time flies and what an experience this has been so far. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the TOP sports management program in the country. The atmosphere (inclusive and ever-evolving based on the current status of sports ) and approach (hands-on and in-depth) provides me the ability to create my own learning niche that corresponds with my career aspirations. The material and knowledge that I am learning can be specifically targeted and focused to what I will be doing in the future.

It feels good to know how I can be a part of the development of the sports industry in the sense of the societal impact that I can and will have in comparison to just a mere addition to the sports industry. In my opinion, this program calls for all of us to be held accountable for our actions and by the time we leave we understand how are actions can positively or negatively affect the industry and even more important society.

It is hard to imagine that I have almost completed two semesters. Two more semesters to go and off all of us go into this industry being the best equipped leaders to handle the current and future issues of this industry. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity and do not take this time in my life for granted. I'm eager to see what the future holds because I know that all of my cohorts will be change agents in sports. Can't wait!! Let the countdown begin!!!

Simone Jackson
DeVos Sports Business Management '12
University of Central Florida
Graduate Assistant - The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)

Meet the Class - Andrew

2011-03-24T09:05:00.003-04:00

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: Andrew H. Lilly

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Texas at Austin; Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Championships/Events Intern at The University of Texas at Austin
*Sports Services Intern at Conference USA
*2007 & 2008 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship Intern
*Professional Exchange Participant at Texas Christian University

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
*Content Marketing Associate for SportsBusinessWire.com

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
DeVos chose me. The program entered my radar during my junior year of undergrad. I set my course for this program, and by God’s grace, I made it here. I valued the program’s emphasis on diversity, ethics, and the communities we serve.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I want to work in collegiate athletics and serve as an advocate, mentor, role model, and friend to student athletes. I love social networking, writing, and tackling social issues, so I hope to implement these into my career as well.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
Let me channel my inner X-Man and go with Archangel’s superpowers. He can fly and heal others. I’m cheating by picking two superpowers. Sue me.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview the one grandparent I never got to meet, and that is my maternal grandfather, Rochelle Foreman. I’d like to know kept him going every day, what life was like for him, and if I make him proud.

Do you have any closing thoughts?
Yes, I’m glad you asked. Follow me. Facebook me. E-mail me. Text me. Call me. Skype me. I pride myself on being available to those who reach out to me even if it gets me in trouble. I love my phone. I love people.

Meet the Class - Kara

2011-03-21T13:17:00.002-04:00

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: Kara M. Adams

Hometown: San Leandro, CA /Ashburn, Va

Undergraduate School & Major: Howard University, Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Intern-NASCAR Diversity Department
*Intern-NASCAR Kinetics
*Intern- Washington Wizards
*Student Worker-Howard University Athletics
*Intern-Progressive Sports and Entertainment Alliance

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Hope For Stanley Alliance-G.A
*Will Call- Orlando Magic
*Intern- UCF Athletics (AD of External Operations)

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I prefer to attend the DeVos program over others because of the experience I will gain outside the classroom in addition to the classroom knowledge I will be gaining. After doing my research I understand that I will be volunteering my efforts in many ways throughout the Orlando area. Upon my visit to the campus I loved the atmosphere of the location of the campus as well as the warmth I felt upon the arrival to the DeVos office.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work at the collegiate level in athletics, eventually taking on the role of Senior Woman Administrator in addition to a position that will allow me to mentor and work with our student athletes.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
If I could have any superpower I would choose the power to make everyone kind hearted :). It’s almost as cliché as world peace but I think I put my own twist on it!!! I want everyone to be happy, giving, kind hearted and as loving as I believe I am. Kind hearts=beautiful/kind world!

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview Harry Edwards. He is alive and a friend of Dr. Harrison’s so this may not be a far fetch idea! I would like to know how it feels to be a well known African American mentor to sports figures? How it feels to know you personally and single handedly affected one of the most talked about moments in sports (Tommy Smith and John Carlos-Olympics stance).

Meet the Class - Michael

2011-03-15T15:45:00.007-04:00

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: Michael Kuhn

Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Florida, Marketing

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Sales Team Member – UCF Athletics
*Intern - Bill Carr & Associates
*Intern – University of Florida Athletic Association (Marketing, Boosters, Football, and Operations)

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant – The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)
*Box Office Representative – Orlando Magic

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
DeVos stuck out to me because of the high level of ethics and morals that are built into the curriculum – not only that, but the directors practice what they preach. The industry opportunities and connections are as good as you’ll find anywhere else and the family atmosphere was something that I couldn’t pass up.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I want to use my Marketing background and my interpersonal skills to work for a sports marketing agency or consulting firm. Down the line, I would love to start my own marketing firm and eventually end up back in the classroom teaching the next generation of leaders.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
This is a ridiculous question for 2 reasons:
1. It’s not relevant at all.
2. Anyone who lived a childhood would tell you that they want to be able to fly, so why even ask the question?!? I would choose flying - no doubt in my mind.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
Charles Barkley – because life is short, so why not laugh a little?

Meet the Class - Djuan

2011-03-15T13:53:00.018-04:00

Meet the Class - Cori

2011-03-11T12:36:00.015-05:00

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: Cori Pinkett

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Georgia; Marketing and Sport Management Double Major

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*University of Georgia Athletics Association Intern for Promotions
*University of Georgia Football Game Day Host
*Atlanta Falcons Logistics Intern
*Atlanta Falcons Ticket Sales and Marketing Volunteer
*2010 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Volunteer
*ESPN College Gameday Volunteer
*2009 NCAA Gymnastics Championship Volunteer

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Marketing Internship Coordinator for UCF's Marketing Department

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos Sport Management Program for its ability to cultivate students that can tackle social issues through the avenue of sport and its inherent family atmosphere. The directors make themselves very accessible and are committed to our success.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): My ultimate goal is to be the Director of Community Relations for the Atlanta Falcons or the Atlanta Hawks. I also want to start my own business that uses sport to provide a positive after school alternative for children living in poverty stricken and lower income areas.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would have the power of duplication so that I would be able to be more than one place at the same time and never run into the issue of stretching myself too thin.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would interview Martin Luther King Jr. My questions would be: At this point in time, do you feel that your dream from the “I Have a Dream” speech has been filled? If not, how much more progression needs to be made before this dream can be realized?

Meet the Class - Kelly

2011-03-11T12:30:00.005-05:00

Meet the Class - Kaley

2011-03-11T12:15:00.009-05:00

Meet the Class - Liz

2010-11-02T17:54:00.001-04:00

Meet the Class - Kristian

2010-11-02T17:51:00.002-04:00

Meet the Class - Patty

2010-09-28T17:47:00.003-04:00

Meet the Class - Simone

2010-09-28T17:39:00.001-04:00

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: Simone Jackson

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Texas at Dallas; BS & MS in Accounting and Information Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: National Basketball Association NBA All-Star Jam Session Volunteer, Mountain View Community College Basketball Camp Director, Skyhawks Basketball Camp Director, DiversityInPromotions, LLC Marketing and Sales Intern, Dallas Basketball Officials Association Official, Dallas Fury of The National Women's Basketball League Support Group member, Women’s Pro-Am Semi-Professional Basketball Player

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) and Orlando Magic Interactive Marketing team member

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I want to be a part of a program that shares the same values and vision that I do. The DeVos program focuses the necessary attention on social issues, diversity and ethics while highlighting the link between these factors and the sports industry. The education and experience received will provide me with the playbook to further advance my dream.

Future Career Ambitions: I want to create a program where student-athletes and non student-athletes can take sports skills and lessons that they have learned and transfer them in to every aspect of their lives. My dream for this program is to be able to show people how sports and business relate to every aspect of their life, while simultaneously, enhancing all aspects of their life.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would choose not to have a superpower. I believe that we are given all the power that we need in order to fulfill our purpose here in this world. We already have the power we just need to know how to access it.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would want to meet my great grandmothers and have the opportunity to just sit at their feet and absorb as much as you can.

Meet the Class - Amanda

2010-09-20T17:48:00.002-04:00

Meet the Class - Chris M.

2010-09-20T17:44:00.002-04:00

Meet the Class - Anna

2010-09-07T17:45:00.002-04:00

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: Anna Florzak

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Undergraduate School & Major: Iowa State University Major: Marketing & Minor: Textiles and Clothing

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Iowa State University Basketball 2006-2010, Iowa State University Cross Country 2009,
Marketing Intern Kansas City Chiefs 2009, Special Events Athletic Intern Iowa State University 2009-2010

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant, The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: When I first read about the DeVos Program, it was difficult to believe that such a program existed. My head told me it might just be a tremendous job of internal marketing; my heart wanted to believe such a program really existed. When I had the opportunity to interview last spring between the 1st and 2nd round of the NCAA tournament, I had the opportunity to experience not only the authenticity of the program but also experience the incredible leadership that makes it that way. I will never forget how much joy I felt after my interview, and I prayed that becoming part of the DeVos family was in God’s plan for me.

Future Career Ambitions: I have two ambitions: to be an Athletic Director at a Division 1 school and to write a book on my experiences as an athlete.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would want the power to look into the future to see where the journey of my life will take me.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would interview Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, a champion of human rights. Everything she ever said and everything she ever did was worth understanding and remembering. I would ask her where she got her energy, passion, and stamina to always do the right thing for the right reason. I would also ask her what she thought about at night right before she went to sleep.

Meet the Class - Kelvin

2010-08-29T20:42:00.006-04:00

Renewing New Orleans, Renewing our souls

2010-08-24T15:14:00.004-04:00

"Everybody wants to be a part of a miracle. People helping people, it's powerful stuff"
~ Vince Vaughn, Wedding Crashers

When my alarm went off at 6:20 yesterday morning it could only mean one thing was upon me - the start of my final semester at the University of Central Florida. I could not believe that school was already here and starting. I could not believe that this was the beginning of the end of my DeVos journey. More than anything, I could not believe I had to get out of bed - because last week was absolutely exhausting.

As has been a tradition of the DeVos program these past four years, the class of 2011 and 2012 took a service trip to New Orleans with the Hope For Stanley Alliance. It is always a great experience to get to know the new members of the DeVos family and to give back to the city of New Orleans - a city that continues to go through so much but the resilience and optimism of her people never ceases to amaze me. Overall it was an incredible trip and I hope to have pictures to share with you all soon. I have now spent five weeks in service to the city of New Orleans and this trip was clearly the best one that I have gone on - it is amazing that no matter how many times I go, my life is always changed and I am always made better for it.

Those who know me, know that I am one to talk but I also acknowledge that sometimes, someone else can say it a lot better than me so instead I choose to keep my part short and instead share with you the thoughts of some of the members of our new class who went on this trip for the very first time.

Until next week,
Devan

Traveling to New Orleans with the DeVos Program this past week was my first time witnessing the aftermath from Hurricane Katrina. Touring the Lower Ninth Ward, where the levees broke, was an eye opening experience that filled me with many emotions. I cannot even fathom how the Lower Ninth Ward looked right after the flood if this is how the area looks five years later. Streets that were once packed with houses are now empty lots covered in overgrown weeds or abandoned houses. I had no idea of the amount of work that needs to be done and all the families that are still trying to come home. I am so glad to be a part of Hope for Stanley and to have the opportunity to restore homes. The residents that have been fortunate enough to come back to the Lower Ninth Ward are highly appreciative of volunteers. The residents have shown us how much our work means to the community in order to help residents regain their lives. I will be taking many trips back to New Orleans in the future. It is an amazing way to give back and help families come home to New Orleans, the only home they ever known, so they can rebuild friendships, families, and neighborhoods.
~Kaley Pendley, Class of 2012

"Initially I didn't know what to expect but speaking from my past experience I would like to say I truly loved it. I went to New Orleans in 2007 during my undergraduate years at Howard University to do rebuilding for Alternative Spring Break, a similar effort to Hope For Stanley. Seeing the damage that has yet to be cleaned up/rebuilt/fixed was quite upsetting. It had been 3 years since I had gone to visit and only certain areas looked like they were being helped. Hearing the stories of the natives, especially Stanley's story, reassured me and (I'm sure) my classmates as to why we continue to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate; especially those in New Orleans. I think the idea to take a trip down there before starting classes was a great way to ensure bonding between both classes. The experience set the tone for the next 18 months and what a great tone it was."
~ Kara Adams, Class of 2012

"I did not fully understand the true meaning of the saying ‘Restore, Rebuild & Renew’ until my first trip to NOLA ended this past Friday. Not only was it an emotional 5 days, but my eyes were also opened to a part of the country that I had never been to. I feel so blessed to be able to give back to a community that is so thankful for all of the work the DeVos family has continued to do over the years. With the 5 year anniversary happening this weekend, I hope that people still acknowledge how much work is still needed in the Lower 9th ward and the outlying areas. While the downtown area looks very pretty it only takes a short drive down the road to see that there is still so much renovation that needs to be done. After realizing that NOLA still has so much clean up left to do I hope that people will continue to serve the city."
~ Anna Florzak, Class of 2012

"I grew up on the panhandle of Florida, an area known to experience a hurricane or two. Yet even with that on my mind, nothing could compare to the desolate area of destruction that was the Lower Ninth Ward. Even five years later the damage still remains. Concrete slabs where houses once stood, porch steps leading to nothing, homes with holes in the roofs made by people, just like you and me, trying to escape from the flooding, building "tattoos" explaining how many people died in that building, and acres and acres of overgrown weeds and grass in place of a neighborhood where children once roamed. Visiting New Orleans one always thinks of the booming city, Bourbon Street, and the French Quarter yet we tend to forget about the other parishes and neighborhoods of New Orleans. I had never put up a single piece of dry wall in my life, yet I looked forward to spending my week creating these sheet rock shapes and forming the walls of what will someday be someone's home. There is nothing more satisfying than helping someone in need, and that is what I will take back from this trip the most. Growing closer with my classmates, people I had not even met until this trip, doesn't hurt either. My first trip to New Orleans is truly one I will NEVER forget."
~Matthew Vinson, Class of 2012

"New Orleans was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I get to bond with my classmates and create lasting relationships but I got to learn the infinite possibilities that we as humans have. On the trip, we were able to meet an outstanding man named Stanley who is a true hero of Hurricane Katrina. He was able to sacrifice his life to save his family. I have never been to New Orleans before and seeing the destruction that still exists 5 years after the storm opened my eyes to the help that countless people in this world need. In the end, it made me proud to be in the DeVos Sport Management Program because of the emphasis of using sport as a tool for social change."
~ Christopher Moran, Class of 2012

"My first impression of our trip to New Orleans and the Lower Ninth Ward was amazement and surprise at how little has been done in the past 5 years since Hurricane Katrina. My heart was filled with sorrow at the sight of so much devastation and suffering. Listening to the stories of the victims was difficult at times but an eye opening experience for me. This was my first trip ever to New Orleans. It was overwhelming to see the large number of vacant houses and weeded over empty lots. Despite the hard work the St Bernard Project, Hope for Stanley and other organizations have accomplished it seems like little progress has been made. But on the last day of our trip a victim of Hurricane Katina stopped by our worksite to speak with us and share his appreciation for the work we were doing and the effect it has had on him and his family. It felt good and made me feel a little better about how much impact our small contribution is making in the lives of people who would not have made it without our help. It was at that point I remembered an old Chinese proverb ‘to move a mountain you begin with the first pebble’. I now see how at least moving those first few pebbles through Hope for Stanley and other programs like it has helped impact his life, his family’s life and many others, but I also realize that there is still much more work to do to move this mountain."
~ Tony Scott, Class of 2012

"Words cannot adequately express what this week has done for Demetrius. I have seen the video footage and heard so many things about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It is one thing to watch television, but it is something so much more impactful see it in person. From the first time I set my eyes on the ninth ward, a part of me felt sad. I thought about all of the people whose lives were changed forever. I am an individual who has felt the agony of losing a close loved one, and I thought about all of the citizens of New Orleans who lost their family. Hearing the stories of the people of New Orleans was priceless, and really helped to put things into perspective for me. Next, I was so excited about helping build the homes back up for the people of New Orleans. Watching the home come together day by day was unbelievable to see and I cannot wait to head back in December to help another family. I came to volunteer and to give something back, but I actually was blessed in many ways as well, and I am so grateful for that."
~ Demetrius Frazier, Class of 2012

Interning with ANNIKA

2010-05-26T16:22:00.004-04:00
Greetings!

This is Jaclyn Garris of the 2011 DeVos Sport Management Program. I attended Elon University where I majored in Leisure and Sport Management and minored in Business Administration. When I am not in one of my DeVos Sport Management classes at UCF, I am intern outside of the DeVos program for the ANNIKA Foundation as their Projects Manager Intern. Hall of fame LPGA golfer, Annika Sorenstam, founded the ANNIKA Foundation to focus on two goals: teaching kids the importance of fitness and nutrition and getting youth involved with golf. It is through her passion and support that we are able to touch the lives of many young people throughout the United States and Sweden.

This past weekend, on May 22nd, I was a part of the leadership team that hosted an event called the ANNIKA Junior Day in Memory of Holly Baxter at the ANNIKA Academy. The Baxter family made a generous donation to the Foundation to make a junior event possible. We had 80 kids ranging in age from 6 to 16 attend the event. There were four stations set-up: full-swing taught by Annika and her sister Charlotta, putting, chipping, and fitness where the kids got to climb up a rope and hit the Easy Button on top of the ceiling! Annika also held a clinic for all the juniors on the golf range and dazzled them with her unbelievable shot accuracy and long drives off the tee. The DeVos family supported our efforts that day by helping organize and direct the kids throughout the day. A big thank you goes out to: Christi, Devan, Joel, Joslyn, and Rodrigo for all of their help.

Front Row (L to R): Joslyn Dalton, Annika Sorenstam, Jaclyn Garris
Second Row (L to R): Cristi Ecks, Joel German, Rodrigo Quintanar, Devan Dignan

In addition to the Junior Day event, I help with the communication, marketing, and planning efforts for the Foundation, which has provided a tremendous learning experience thus far. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of the ANNIKA brand and team. I hope that you take a look at the ANNIKA Foundation website to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives.

Fairways and Greens,

Jaclyn

Getting to know our namesake...

2010-05-03T00:12:00.002-04:00
Hey everyone,

My name is Austin and I'm a member of the DeVos Class of 2011. I am originally from Hopkinsville, Kentucky and I went to the University of Kentucky where I played football. I am currently a graduate assistant for the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport. My first year of graduate school has been one full of new experiences that have allowed me to meet a number of interesting and inspirational people.

Last Friday I got to spend time with one of the most interesting and inspirational men I have ever met in my life, Mr. Rich DeVos. Mr. DeVos embodies all the qualities that one seeks in a role model. Faithfulness, humility, intelligence, character, integrity, and honesty are just a few of the many adjectives that could be use to describe him. On April 23, 2010, the DeVos Class of 2011 got to meet and honor Mr. DeVos with a very special luncheon at the Black and Gold Lounge of the UCF Arena. Prior to entering this program I only had a surface level understanding of its’ namesake. However, after having a luncheon with Mr. DeVos, I can say that I have a much higher level of knowledge, appreciation, and admiration for a man who has done many great things to better the world in his lifetime.

In our time together Mr. DeVos shared personal stories and key moments in his life that brought success, disappointment, and lifelong lessons. He was a man raised from humble beginnings with a dream accompanied by great passion that has allowed him to earn the achievements that he has today. Mr. DeVos’s success has not only come from the creation and evolution of Amway Corporation. He has also been able to impact many lives through his philanthropic efforts and devotion to serving the community. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005, Mr. DeVos flew the entire Hornets staff to Orlando, provided shelter, and personally paid their salaries until they were able to move back. The average billionaire, and for that matter, not even the average man would do something as selfless as this. This just goes to show the special type of human being that Mr. DeVos is and the commitment that resides deep within to give back to the community and help others. Words do not explain how encouraging it is to witness someone that has built a multi-billion dollar empire upon a foundation of integrity and ethics, serve their community with love and commitment, and lived life not to please others, but to please God. After completing one full academic year in the DeVos program, I can say that meeting Mr. Rich DeVos has been my best experience thus far and a moment of my life that I will cherish forever.

Have a great weekend,

Austin

Meet the Class - Jessie

2010-04-25T20:00:00.003-04:00

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: Jessie Kalyn Gardner

Hometown: B-E-A-UTIFUL Sarasota, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: UCF, Interpersonal Communication

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Played soccer for UCF from 2004-2008 (don’t have much!)

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: GA for the Assistant Director for Student Services in Athletics

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: Besides the fact that it was one of the top programs in the nation, I knew it was where God wanted me to be, especially after I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Sutton, and Dr. Harrison. The “3 Wise Men” as we like to call them, exemplify the core values of this program inside and out. I couldn’t have made a better choice!

Future Career Ambitions: I hope to be an event coordinator/manager for a sports team or organization. However, after working in my graduate assistantship in UCF Athletics, I could also see myself working in athletics at a Division I institution as the Life Skills Coordinator or as the Director of Student Services.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why?
Tiger Woods – might as well play with the best, even in light of all that has happened - I am sure we would have plenty of good conversation on the course.
Muhammad Ali – I have always been fascinated with his confidence and charisma, let alone his incredible ability to be the best in boxing
Tony Dungy – He is by far one of my greatest role models, for his coaching philosophy and integrity as a person, understanding that he has the power to influence everyone he comes in contact with.

Meet The Class - Kristin

2010-04-13T13:14:00.003-04:00

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: Kristin Hurst

Hometown: Miami, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Florida International University- Business Administration & Recreation and Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Gulliver Schools Academy Campus Athletic Department Intern and Varsity Girls Soccer Assistant Coach; FIU Athletics Ticket Office Intern; Miami FC Marketing Intern; United States Olympic Committee F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders among Minorities) Program participant

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: GA for the National Consortium of Academics and Sports, UCF Athletics Guest Services and the Orlando Magic Will Call Services

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: My main goal for the future is to always be linked to my passion and my passion is sports. The DeVos program allows me to do just that. As one of the top five programs in the nation, the DeVos program is led by an all-star cast of passionate driven directors, Drs Lapchick, Sutton and Harrison. This program encourages you to become a well-rounded individual by participating in community service. This program also allows me to diversify myself by obtaining two masters degrees.

Future Career Ambitions: I would like to work in college athletics or for the U.S. Olympic Committee. I am interested in the Events and Operations aspect of the business.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why?

Billie Jean King was an advocate for the women’s movement for equality in sports. Because of her resiliency and confidence, I was able to play soccer and make it all the way to the collegiate level.

Alonzo Mourning is my hero. I grew up watching him play for the Miami Heat and his ‘never quit’ attitude on and off the court inspired me to let nothing get in my way to reach success. He also used his status as an athlete to make a tremendous impact in the Miami community with his charity work.

Theirry Henry is my favorite soccer player. His finesse and speed on the field are the reasons why I fell in love with soccer.

Meet The Class - Vinay

2010-04-06T09:08:00.003-04:00

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: Vinay A. Shah

Hometown: Winter Haven, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Management Information Systems

Current G.A. or Internship/Job: Intern at Siemens

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The DeVos program was a place where I could see myself helping to change the sports industry for the better.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): Work for an IT department for a professional sports organization and then eventually start a consulting company to help with technical designs for stadiums.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why?
Tiger Woods – It would be fun to watch the greatest golf star and then have him teach me to play.
Joe Torre – The best manager in all of baseball. He was an inspiration and a great role model.
Tony Dungy – My favorite coach with the Bucs and a great man. I would just like to talk to him about his career and life.

Not Your Typical Spring Break

2010-03-17T21:33:00.001-04:00
Hello all!

David Benoit here. I hail from the great city of Boston, Mass; but I did spend a few years in Delray Beach, FL – so I guess you can say I’m a dual native of both cities and states. I haven’t quite come to grips with that yet but someday I will. I completed my undergraduate degree here at this great institution, the University of Central Florida, with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Sports Business Management (1 of 9 to first receive the minor, yes I’m tooting my own horn, but its ok). It’s great to be able to go to graduate school at my alma mater. It leaves no room for confusion as to where my allegiances lie, GO KNIGHTS!!!!!

Spring break has come and gone for us in our first year in the DeVos program. While others were tanning at the beaches or catching up on some much needed rest and foolery - my classmates spent our break getting our hands dirty and doing some real work done in the city of New Orleans, and the St. Bernard Parrish in partnership with Hope For Stanley (a non-profit founded by past DeVos students that is dedicated to rebuilding the city of New Orleans and providing hope to the people of that great city).

This was my 3rd trip to NOLA, but every time I go it brings excitement and new perspective. When I visited the city on my first trip back in August the feelings I felt were just indescribable. I felt anger, frustration, excitement, sadness. Just about any emotion you can think of I felt, and at the same time I felt empty as it was a surreal moment and experience. The 2nd trip in December was different in that some of the same feelings arose again, but not nearly as strong as the first and I was ready to work and do some positive things and help those people.
The 3rd trip was very different from the first two. As soon as I stepped foot into the hotel I wanted to get to a work site and get building. I have accepted the fact that the rest of the country and the world has forgotten about this city, and that everyone feels as if time alone can cure such a devastating tragedy. What they fail to realize is time can be a constant reminder, that if not fostered properly, re-growth can be at a standstill and even allow digression to take place. I am no longer angry when I think about the city of New Orleans, instead I am just hoping to make a difference.

When I arrived at my work site, my teammates ( I look at my classmates as my teammates) and I were happy to see that the house needed sheet rock put up. Dry walling is probably the most rewarding job you can do, in my opinion, because you can see the fruits of your labor, and see the progress that is being made. There were other schools involved with this work site so it was nice to see and interact with other students like us that felt the need to help the city and area. Although they were some NOLA rookies and complained a little too much on the grind of construction, they did their share and it was a really nice and different experience.

It was hilarious and uplifting at watching how upset my teammate got about the bad mudding job someone from another school was doing on her wall. I won’t name any names but she knows who she is. I am happy to be with a team that really cares about the quality of their work and that really wants to help others. By week’s end my teammates and I had the entire house’s dry wall completely hung up and mudded. I made sure to put my mark on a wall for the next group to see that the DeVos students held it down and they better do just as good of a job. Our reward for ourselves every night after a hard day’s work was to go out and experience the city. We spent time in different parts of NOLA by visiting restaurants, local colleges, and even had time to watch a Hornets game. We even got a picture with some of the Hornets dancers afterward. I tried to get kiss on the cheek from one but she wasn’t having that. Maybe next time!

The work was complete, and we were all tired and ready to head back to Orlando and get back to the easy life of graduate school (hearing that Natalie and Kaj still had energy to run every morning was just ridiculous, those girls have plenty of stamina!) but I can’t wait till August when I can go back again and show the new class what this city has gone through and allow them to see that the fight is not over, and we are the arms that will raise the city and help it prevail.

Going back to NOLA is no longer just an opportunity for me to give back; it has become part of my curriculum and part of who I am. I can be honest in myself in knowing that unfortunately once I leave the program I may not have time to come back like I do now while in the program. For me to miss a trip to NOLA would be like missing one of Dr. Lapchick’s classes or arriving late to a Dr. Harrison discussion, you just can’t do that, and if you do it better be for a darn good reason. I feel the same way about the Big Easy. I can’t begin to describe the immense level of pride, love and excitement I feel every day about my classmates and realize what it means when I can say I’m a member of 2011 graduating class of the DeVos Sport Business Management Graduate Program at UCF. Visiting NOLA is another reason why I thank god for this tremendous opportunity and experience.

Cheers!

David Benoit

Meet The Class 2011 - Austin

2010-03-17T17:25:00.001-04:00

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: Austin Moss II

Hometown: Hopkinsville, KY

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Kentucky, Business Marketing

Past Sports Industry Experiences: University of Kentucky Football 2005-2009

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant, The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose Devos because of the unique combination to provide service to the Orlando community, study ethical issues in sport, and learn from three of the most influential and knowledgeable figures in sport business.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): Upon graduation, I hope to intern with an NFL organization or NFL League Office. My ultimate goal is to become a Director of Player Personnel for a NFL team.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why? (Examples: Michael Jordan, David Stern, Pat Summit)

If I could play a round of golf with any three sports figures, my foursome would include:
Michael Jordan – I’d love to have a conversation with him to see what drove his intrinsic motivation.
Jackie Robinson – Who wouldn’t want to spend a day with the man who broke the biggest barrier in America’s most historical sport?
Tiger Woods - If you’re going to play the game you should play with the best in the world, and I would like to converse with him about his successes and recent failures.

Jemele Hill: A Pioneer in Sports Journalism

2010-03-05T17:51:00.002-05:00
Hey all,

My name is Christopher Kaiser and I was born and raised in “beautiful” Buffalo, New York- home to some of the best beaches on the American side of Lake Erie. I did my undergraduate work at SUNY-Geneseo (Go Knights!!!!) and graduated this past spring with a degree in Management. I came to UCF due to the reputation of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program, the family atmosphere that is cultivated, and the distinguished faculty that guide the program. Thus far the program has more than exceeded my expectations and I look forward to all that lays ahead for our class in the upcoming year.

One of the many incredible aspects of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the weekly speaker series. Every Friday, a prominent figure from the sports industry comes to campus and speaks to our class. Following the speaker, we generally have a reception in the TIDES office where we can casually speak with the distinguished guest one-on-one. This past Friday ESPN columnist and TV personality Jemele Hill visited the UCF campus to speak to our class. Now I don’t how many of you killed two hours of your day as an undergraduate watching ESPN’s First Take, but I know I did! So, having someone that I watched on TV almost every day in college, two feet in front of me, was almost surreal.

Ms. Hill began her speech by telling us about her upbringing in a low-income household in urban Detroit. Although she was very modest when speaking about this period of her life, it was clear that her drive and work ethic were cultivated by the adversity that she faced at this time. She then went on to discuss her career path and how she got to where she was now at ESPN. An astounding fact that she revealed was that a study conducted by our own Dr. Lapchick several years before, had shown that she was the only African-American women working as a sports columnnist in the United States. I found this shocking and it allowed me to really understand the type of pioneer she was in sports journalism. This part of the speech was pretty standard as far as our speakers go, however the fact that she only spoke “at us” for 30 minutes and opened the room up to questions for an hour and a half was not. It a truly incredible opportunity to have 90 minutes to “pick the brain” of someone who is so prominent and influential in the sports entertainment industry. As a class, we bombarded her with questions for this whole time period on issues ranging from matters of diversity in sports to “What’s the deal with Skip Bayless?” Ms. Hill answered every question with enthusiasm and genuine interest. This question and answer session was arguably the most intriguing class-wide interaction of the speaker series thus far. After the official meeting was over, Ms.Hill came to the TIDES office for a small reception for over an hour. During this time, she graciously talked with a number of students in a one-on-one setting.

Reflecting on the overall experience of having Jemele Hill as a speaker, I almost could not get past the excitement of meeting a famous television personality and the entertaining, humorous way in which she spoke to us. However, when thinking about it a little more, it was clear that there was a deeper message that could be taken from Ms. Hill; that was one of modesty and humility. The down-to-earth manner in which Jemele Hill carried herself when interacting with us blew me away. For all she had accomplished and overcome in her career, she showed us the upmost respect and did not once discuss her own accomplishments. This made me examine the fact that I can act in an arrogant manner or get cocky about something as insignificant as doing well on a test in one of my classes. While a celebrity talent like Ms.Hill doesn’t say word about something as significant as breaking down gender and racial barriers in sports journalism. Going forward, I will now make a greater effort to let my actions and hard work speak for themselves, rather than gloating to and looking down on others. Whether Jemele Hill knows it or not, by simply being herself she not only gave us a better understanding of sports media, but also helped shape me into a better person.

It can be seen in my reflections above that the doors that are opened to you by the DeVos program can have profound impacts on you both personally and professionally. To quote the famous blog writer Jesse Gardner, “I am a very lucky individual to have been chosen to be a part of the DeVos family and I continue to look forward to all the opportunities and experiences that are still yet to come.” I could not agree with statement more and I consider my choice to come to UCF as one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Also, I had some fun with my fellow classmate Jessie’s blog post in the beginning, so I thought why not at the end as well. Now, she may get upset with me, but the beauty of the DeVos program is that we see each other so much and have built such close relationships, that I am confident we will be able to work through this minor bump in the road.

Have a Great Day!!

Chris

"Georgia [Southern] on my mind..."

2010-02-23T09:40:00.005-05:00
Hi Everyone!

I'm Jessie Gardner and I'm originally from beautiful Sarasota, Florida - home of the best beaches in Florida! I did my undergraduate here at the University of Central Florida where I played soccer (Go Knights!!) and I am loving the fact that I get to spend a little more time here in Orlando on this wonderful campus as a student in the DeVos Sport Business Management program.

Although Monday starts the week and we’re back to the grind, it brings a smile to my face to reflect on our class’ trip to Savannah, GA this past weekend for the GA Southern Conference. Not only was it a weekend to further our networking skills and to network the DeVos program to others, but we also had the opportunity to see one of our directors in a different element and meet a bunch of people from different universities and colleges.

Every year, GA Southern hosts a Sports Business Conference that allows students from all over to hear and interact with professionals within the sports business industry, as well as meet other students who share similar career interests. Although the 29 members of my class see Dr. Sutton in the office every week, it was a privilege and unique opportunity for us to hear him in a different element, as he was the Keynote Speaker at the conference. He spoke on what is to come in the sports industry, as far as ticket and seat accommodations at events to having corporate names on major American sport uniforms. His speech was fun and interactive (never thought I’d see one of my directors in a Star Trek uniform!), but really made you think too. He challenged us to think outside of the box, as anything is possible in society today, and prompted us to evaluate what these advancements in sports meant as far as future careers. It was great to see how he captivated the group. I found a built up anxiousness for our classes to begin with him this summer.

Some of the other speakers at the conference included Gilbert Beverly, Director of Sports Management at ESPN; Melissa Kristofak, Associate Director of Communications for the Atlantic 10 Conference; Matt Lynch, Director of Guest Services for the Atlanta Braves; Chris D’Orso, Vice President of Marketing for the Orlando Magic; Chris Sperry, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Atlanta Beat; and Erika Brakken, Senior Marketing Manager for Adidas. They all presented informational messages specific to their job and in a general sense for us as we try to break into this industry.

A former DeVos student from the 2010 graduating class told me that their class had bonded greatly on this trip. At the end of the first day of the conference, I felt disappointed because I did not feel our class was getting that same experience. However, by the end of the conference, that feeling was completely changed. As it has been mentioned before, we consider ourselves more than a Sports Business Program, we consider ourselves as the DeVos family. I saw members of my class connecting with each other in so many instances; during our heated debate on cell phones during lunch, as we relaxed on the rooftop of a local restaurant, in helping one of our classmates try to find her misplaced phone, in one-on-one conversations about life and what’s to come, over our butter soaked delicious dinner at Paula Deen’s restaurant, as three cars stayed to help a classmate when his car would not start, and when some of us stopped at the house our classmate grew up in and visited with his parents. There are so many more instances I could share from the weekend, but I found myself reflecting on the way home of the sense of family I felt with these individuals I met just 6 months ago. It’s incredible to know that I have this type of support, with people I can laugh, cry, stress, and make memories with.

To wrap this up (obviously I am as we say, long winded!) this conference was more to me than just networking. It was more to me than learning more about the industry I am pursuing. To me, it was an opportunity to build my relationships with those around me, to heighten my confidence in who I am as a person and as a member of the DeVos family, and to grow as I stepped out of my box in meeting others. I am a very lucky individual to have been chosen to be a part of the DeVos family and I continue to look forward to all the opportunities and experiences that are still yet to come.

Have a great day!!
Jessie

It's more than a program ... it's a family

2010-02-14T17:28:00.010-05:00

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."
~ Jane Howard

Wow! What a blur these past few weeks have been. We have gotten more involved in our new rung of classes, we have been planning trips to Savannah, GA and New Orleans, LA, and we have had guest speakers ranging from John Walsh of ESPN to members of the UCF Athletic Department. It really has been a whirlwind as the class of 2011 is just now settling into the new semester and our onslaught of new classes and responsibilities.

This semester I took over as the Recruitment Chair for our class and in preparing to go to the Georgia Southern Conference in Savannah this week, myself and some of my classmates have been working on some recruitment materials. Yesterday, I was working on a display with my friend Cristi and in doing so, we were using the old board as a reference. We were looking at the old board and getting ideas when we saw a maxim across the middle of the board:

DeVos: "It's more than a program... it's a family."

The two of us got a laugh about how cliche this slogan was but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that while cliche, there really is no better way to put it. I have a unique experience in that for a year and a half I get to spend my time with 28 other people from all across the world who share my passion: to make a difference in the world through the use of sport. While we share that similarity we could not be more diverse and more different. We come from all backgrounds and all locations but over the past 6 months, friendships have been formed and lasting bonds have been made. I look at my 28 classmates and realize they aren't just friends they are family.

As a class we have always been there and supported each other and like any group of people we have had our disagreements but at the end of the day - we are family. I know that if need be, any of my 28 classmates would support me in my greatest triumphs and have my back in my greatest hour of need. I once got a card that read, "friends are the family that you choose" and while DeVos may have chosen the 28 people who I would call family, I would not have chosen a different group of 28 if I had the power to go back and make that choice myself. My 28 classmates are an amazing group of people and I am lucky to be counted among that group. We are a close-knit group who support one another through thick and thin. I am excited to be a member of this class and about the things that we are all going to accomplish in the coming months and once we have received our degrees.

This is why I chose DeVos; this is why I'm proud to be DeVos; and this is why (if you're at the Georgia Southern Conference this weekend) I hope that you will come visit me at the DeVos table and listen to our director Dr. Bill Sutton speak and see if the best decision that I ever made is also the best decision for you. I'm proud to be in the DeVos program but more than that I am proud to be a member of the family that is the DeVos Class of 2011.

Have a great week,

Devan

Meet The Class 2011 - Shane

2010-01-19T13:38:00.004-05:00

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: Shane Land

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Kentucky - Business Marketing & Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: University of Kentucky Athletics - 4 years as Student Track and Field Coach, 3 years as Academic Services Assistant in the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services, Volunteered with University of Kentucky’s Sports Marketing Department for two years
Other - Collegiate Basketball Referee

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Fall 2009 DeVos Scholarship Recipient, Spring 2010 Assistantship: Marketing Internship Coordinator

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The networking capabilities, curriculum, and the idea of using sport to create social change all attracted me to the program.

Future Career Ambitions: Currently, I would like to work in event management/planning while continuing to pursue my career in basketball officiating.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why?
Well, this question requires a little thought. First and foremost, I believe that I would have to include John Wooden. I admire John Wooden not just because he was a tremendous collegiate basketball coach, but because he seems to genuinely have everyone’s best interest at heart. He was a teacher of not only the game but life when he was at UCLA which made him a great mentor for college athletes.
Next, I would pick Coach Vince Lombardi. He is quite possibly the best ever professional football coach and he had the ability to motivate athletes like no one else. Having the chance to pick his brain for a couple of hours could be very enlightening and could quite possibly help me become a better motivator.
Last but not least, I would take NBA basketball referee, Steve Javie, because I would not survive a round of golf with two coaches without the help of another official. Actually, I consider Mr. Javie the best basketball official on the planet and talking basketball philosophy with great officials is fascinating to me. I feel like I could learn a lot from Mr. Javie.

2010-01-11T14:53:00.003-05:00

"Back to school, back to school to prove to Dad I'm not a fool..."
~ Adam Sandler (Billy Madison)

As of yesterday, my second semester as a graduate student has officially begun. The Class of 2011 is back in the swing of things and the class of 2010 is out there in the "real world" working at jobs and beginning their internships. For me it's an exciting time, a real chance for myself and my classmates to grow within our program. For the first time we are taking classes with the directors as we will see Dr.'s Lapchick and Harrison in our classrooms in the coming semester.

It is a chance for us to delve into classes more specific to our sports management degree and to learn about the specific industry of sport. It is also a time when our class will realize it's just us here and we get the unique opportunity to take responsibility and pursue different opportunities for ourselves and the program.

There are a lot of things going on for me to be excited about this semester as I take the reins of Hope For Stanley, take sports classes, and as some of us get to start work on a new book with Dr. Lapchick but what has me the most excited? A sign up sheet hanging in the DeVos office for interview sign-ups.

That's right. Soon enough, my classmates and I will be interviewing the applicants who wish to be a part of the class of 2012. For me it means that it won't be just us 11ers in here for long. I am excited to meet each and every one of you who hope to be a part of this great program and continue our great tradition.

For those of you who have not yet applied, it's still not too late! Go online and fill out the application, submit your GMAT score, and get those letters of recommendation. I know that a number of you have worked really hard for this purpose and I hope to see all of you in Orlando real soon!

Best of luck this semester!
~ Devan

Tweeting About Sports

2010-01-07T14:11:00.002-05:00
Hello Readers,

First off, we here in the DeVos Program wish you all a fantastic start to the New Year. Best of luck to you prospective students working diligently to boost your GMAT score or to compose the final pieces of your application to the DeVos Program. We will have original posts updated on the blog in the comings days and weeks, but we quickly wanted to let you know that Dr. Lapchick's articles can now be found on Twitter. Be sure to friend and follow "richardlapchick" on Twitter so you can receive updates whenever Dr. Lapchick posts a new story on ESPN, the Sports Business Journal, or other national and regional publications. As always, you can also continue to read Dr. Lapchick's articles on the TIDES and main DeVos Program web sites.

It's December already? Where's the snow?!?

2009-12-09T11:31:00.003-05:00

"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
~ Groucho Marx

I look at my calendar and I find it hard to believe that it is already December. I can't believe that I am one final away from having my first semester as a DeVos student under my belt. I really cannot believe that in a week I will be heading back home to Missouri and when we come back, the class of 2010 will no longer be here. They will all be off starting exciting new internships and jobs and the DeVos office will be just a bit emptier. What I really find it hard to believe though is that it is really December and I am still wearing shorts outside.

I clearly remember what I was doing this time last year - I was getting ready to graduate from the University of Central Missouri. I was packing, I was Christmas shopping, and most importantly - I was finishing up my essay for my application to the DeVos program.

If you are hoping to become a member of the Class of 2012 (and I hope you will - the office is going to be a little too empty for my liking for the next eight months) then start thinking about those things now. Write your essay, proofread it, and then have one or two other people do the same. Go to teachers, former employers, and others and see if they would be willing to write you one of the three required letters of recommendation that you will need. And if you have not taken the GMAT yet - find a guidebook (I would suggest one that comes with a CD) or take a class and start studying and find a time to take that exam. And when you do take it - make sure that you send those scores down our way to Orlando.

This truly is a great program and I am looking most forward to getting to meet a lot of you as you interview in the coming semester and hopefully get to know you as you become a part of the DeVos Class of 2012. If you have questions or anything you are curious about - please do not hesitate to email us (devosprogram@gmail.com).

I have enjoyed my first semester in the DeVos program and am looking forward to the coming year as a student at the University of Central Florida. I hope that you will fill out an application and come interview with us in the hopes that you can have this same great experience that I have been so blessed to have.

Good luck on finals!
~ Devan

Meet The Class 2011 - Rita

2009-11-18T18:00:00.005-05:00

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: Rita D. Grayson

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Undergraduate School & Major: Francis Marion University-Business Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: NIFL (National Indoor Football League) Game Day Operations Intern/Administrative Assistant

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant National Consortium for Academics and Sports(NCAS); Orlando Magic Will Call; Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Maynard Evans High School

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: Highly recognized sports business management program in the world, ability to get two master degree’s which will broaden my opportunities in the job market, the values and culture of the DeVos program, and the DeVos program being headed by a racial pioneer, someone who sacrificed himself for others.

Future Career Ambitions: I am going to work in basketball operations, which will lead me to being an athletic director, and ultimately opening my own gym (academy) for the youth. Throughout each career, I will make a difference in the lives of our future.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and John Wooden. All three of them were the epitome of hard work, commitment, and consistency, and I would like to play a sport that we all aren’t good at(Michael may have a few skills) because it will be about our mental ability rather than physical and because they have it mentally, it will challenge me to get it. I believe it would be a life changing experience.

DeVos in the Fast Lane

2009-11-16T09:17:00.007-05:00
Hey everyone,

This is Kristin and I am a member of the DeVos Class of 2011. This past Tuesday our class took a much needed study break to visit the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. We had the chance to eat lunch in the sky suites and meet with the Diversity Affairs staff of NASCAR as well as members of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and Daytona International Speedway. All of these entities are working together to expand their market base by instilling strong diversity initiatives and implementing programs that show the organization’s commitment to inclusion. By touring campuses across the country to encourage the awareness of NASCAR and providing scholarships to students along the way illustrates what NASCAR is doing to reach the community and simultaneously, to expand their fan base. The International Speedway Corporation spoke to us about how they conduct market research to incorporate the emerging markets of women, youth, the military and diversity into sponsors and naming rights, which will broaden NASCAR’s fan base and will led to the overall success of NASCAR . We also found out that Daytona International is the biggest sports complex on the eastern seaboard with a capacity of about 200,000 people! That’s crazy. Not only were the speakers great, but we got some NASCAR swag! That’s always a plus :)

After our session with the NASCAR, Daytona, and ISC staff, we went the Daytona 500 Experience. It’s an interactive museum about the history of track and racing. Some of the class took a tram tour of the track where legendary drivers have made history. A slow tram doesn’t compare to the speed of those stock cars but slow or not, I can truly say that I have gone around the track at Daytona Speedway. To think that drivers go over 180mph with a 30 degree banking on the track is crazy! After the tour, some of us even got the chance to test our own high speed driving skills in a NASCAR simulator.

Overall, it was a fun, informative experience that drove us through the different paths that NASCAR, the ISC and the Daytona International speedway are taking to expand its market base and become best sport organization in the world. Often, when we think about sports employment opportunities, we may think about the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, or college sports; but to work at NASCAR would be a great opportunity. Yet again, the DeVos Program has opened yet another window of opportunity and has given us one more career choice to keep in mind.

Below are a few pictures from my very fun and informative day:

Me standing on top of the Sky Suites at Daytona Speedway, pretty cool huh?:

The awesome DeVos Class of 2011 in Victory Circle at Daytona Speedway:

Have a great week everyone!

- Kristin

Meet The Class 2011 - Rodrigo

2009-11-05T10:32:00.005-05:00

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: Rodrigo Quintanar

Hometown: Mexico City

Undergraduate School & Major: Anahuac University

Past Sports Industry Experiences: None

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: National Consortium for Academics and Sport

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: As it is an excellent program not only focused on this business by itself but also in all the social improvements that can be done with the power of sports it gives me the best opportunity to perform well in the sports industry and finally to have success in my life.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): Be the first non American employee with the NFL in a great financial or management position. Be able to change the ideology about sports industry in my country and to create a strong framework to provide better opportunities to Mexican student athletes than they barely have now.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? Steve Young, he is just my life idol, I admire him as a player and as a human being and I would love to meet him and be able to talk with him. Roger Goodell, he is simply the highest authority in the NFL and it’s a dream to me to have an opportunity to talk with him. Lorena Ochoa, she is the best Mexican athlete of all times and she is probably the best woman golfer of the world, I just think she is the right person to be in touch with in order to fix many of the actual problems we have as a nation regarding the sports business.

Seeing Past the Marble

2009-10-28T11:39:00.013-04:00

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
~ Michaelangelo Buonarrati

This past January I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and while visiting Rome, I thought about taking a day trip to Florence because I had always wanted to see Michaelangelo's Statue of David. Unfortunately, I was limited on time in Italy and I was told that if I were to go to Florence for a day, there was a chance that I might not even see the statue because of the length of those lines and the demand by thousands to see it daily.

In 1504, Michaelangelo said the above about his masterpiece after spending three years carving it from a block of marble. Earlier this morning, Floyd Keith (Executive Director of the Black Coaches and Administrators or BCA), told the story of Michaelangelo's carving to illustrate to my class what it means to have vision. Mr. Keith talked about his own career path and his own professional and relational goals and about the life that him and his wife have happily built together. The more I listened to Mr. Keith, the more I began to realize that my last 24 hours have had one consistent message - have vision. Everything and everyone that I have encountered over the past day have had that one thing in common - they have vision.

The last day has been a whirlwind for us DeVos Students as we have had our regular routine all sandwiched between two guest speakers and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Awards Banquet. The awards banquet was my favorite event that I have had an opportunity to be a part of in my short time as a student in the DeVos Program. The NCAS banquet was an opportunity to honor and recognize for using sport to make positive contributions in the lives of others that inspire us all.

"Sport belongs to us all"
~ Anita DeFrantz, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member & 2009 NCAS Hall of Fame inductee

Dr. Lapchick always likes to tell us that there is something about sport. Yesterday, Anita DeFrantz spoke to us from her experience as an Olympian (1976 Bronze Medalist in Montreal for rowing) and as an IOC member to make us realize that what is so great about sport is that it belongs to all of us. As she would put it, "it's our birthright". Anita is best remembered as a leader and advocate who challenged President Carter's right to boycott the 1980 summer games in Moscow. She argued that only an athlete should be able to determine whether or not they compete. The athletes lost their case and Ms. DeFrantz told us that the greatest tragedy of that boycott is that she and other Olympians had trained and worked and in the end, they were athletes without a result. Their training had meant nothing. Her advocacy did not go unnoticed though and eventually led to her being the first female Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee. This is surely a woman who had vision and has vision and I am better for having met her.

"Focus on your ability, not your disability. If you can do that, you can do anything."
~ Adam Bender, 2009 NCAS Giant Steps Award Winner

To have vision usually means to see something that no one else can. As Floyd Keith's example taught me, it's seeing the angel in the marble and having the courage to let it out. Take the story of Adam Bender because he is one remarkable young man. I encourage you to click on any of the links I have provided because you will be amazed by the people who were awarded last night. Adam Bender, as seen in the video, is a young boy who at a year of age, had one of his legs amputated. In spite of this, Adam found a way to participate in the sports he loved so much. He has been a stand-out in soccer, baseball, wrestling, and flag football and he has done what no one thought he would be able to do. For a nine-year old boy to defy all expectations and focus on his own abilities to accomplish great things - that is vision that I could only aspire to have.

"I could go to the Final Four; I could win a national championship, but doing this [working with Samaritan's Feet] is the greatest thing I could ever accomplish as a coach and person."
~ Coach Ron Hunter - IUPU-Indianapolis Head Coach & 2009 NCAS Giant Steps Award Winner

I also learned last night that vision means to have a voice and to do what you can with what you have. No one exemplifies this better than Coach Ron Hunter who when he heard about the need across the world for millions of children who do not have shoes, he began coaching basketball games barefoot and even organized shoe drives to provide children around the world with shoes. He has traveled throughout Africa and South America and other places around the world to give millions of children around the world their very first pairs of shoes and socks. This is a man who motivates me, this is a man who has vision.

And I could go on about the people who inspired me at last night's banquet such as Mallory Holtman and Elizabeth Wallace and the courage they showed in the now famous Central Washington vs. Western Oregon softball game. I could talk about the vision and strength it took for Jake Madonia to continue to compete in Division I shotput after having a baseball-sized tumor (and a toe) removed from his foot. I could talk about the vision that Sonny Hill still has for the youth of Philadelphia and the efforts that he has made to make the world a better place. And of course, who could ever overlook the vision that Kay Yow had for her basketball girls at NC State; she had a vision that helped her girls win basketball games (over 700) but also a vision that helped them to win in life (in 20 + years of coaching she graduated 98% of her players).

In these last 24 hours, I have learned the importance of vision and while I know this is long (which would not surprise any of my classmates) there is so much that could still be said about the amazing night that I had getting to hear the stories of all these great people. I am already looking forward to next year's NCAS banquet. As a student I am proud to be part of a program that not only works in partnership with NCAS but a program that encourages us to use sport to make a difference in the lives of others - just as everyone last night already has.

There is something about sport, it does belong to us all, and because of that we need to have a vision to be a positive force in this world. Through the awe-inspiring experience I have had over the past day, I have learned this above nothing else. In no other sports MBA program, or any other area of study, would I have had this experience to learn these lessons that will not only make me a better a professional, but will help me to be a better person. I hope you all have a great week!

See through the marble,

Devan

Meet The Class 2011 - Jaclyn

2009-10-21T13:57:00.003-04:00

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: Jaclyn Garris

Hometown: Vero Beach, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Elon University and Leisure and Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Elon University Game Operations and Ticketing Department (2 years), Boston Celtics- Intern in the Game Operations and Special Events Department (Summer 2007), National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)-Intern (2008-2009)

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Projects Manager Intern-ANNIKA Foundation

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The DeVos Program combines practical business applications to the sports industry while providing a major emphasis on service and diversity. It has allowed me to return to my home state and attend a top 5 nationally ranked program.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I hope to work with the game of golf and combine my passion for the game with philanthropic ventures so that others may benefit from it as much as I have.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why? (Examples: Michael Jordan, David Stern, Pat Summit) I would love to play with Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and my father. Tiger and Annika are, in my opinion, the most dominant players on their respective tours. I have always looked up to both of them, not only for their on-course skills but also for their discipline, charitable nature, and business acumen. I will always have my dad as my playing partner as he is the one who taught me how to play and knows my game the best.

Meet The Class 2011 - Devan

2009-10-21T13:52:00.004-04:00

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: Devan Dignan

Hometown: Grant City, MO

Undergraduate School & Major: THE University of Central Missouri (UCM); Speech Communication and Political Science

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Game Announcer, Clubhouse Manager, and Assistant General Manager for St. Joe Blacksnakes Minor League Baseball Club; Marketing and Promotions Intern for the UCM Office of Athletic Promotions; Guest and Premium Services for University of Central Florida (UCF) Athletics

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), Graduate Assistant for Hope for Stanley Alliance

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I was attracted to DeVos for a variety of reasons. I want to work in the sports industry and I wanted to go to a Top 5 program that offered a dual masters’, and while these are great reasons to choose DeVos those were only minor for me. The main reason I chose this program was because “there is something about sport” and I am excited to be in a program that recognizes that and not only understands the role of diversity and community engagement in sport but creates opportunities for the students to experience these things and how to use these things to make a lasting difference. That’s what excited me about DeVos and that is why I’m so excited to be a part of this program now.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I know that I want to work in professional sports (preferably NFL or MLB) and I have a variety of interests. I am not entirely sure exactly what I want to do but right now I am leaning toward Community Relations or Youth Engagement.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? (Examples: Michael Jordan, David Stern, Pat Summit)
This is a toughie but I would have to go with Kirby Puckett, Vince Lombardi, and Buck O’Neil. Kirby Puckett is my hands-down favorite baseball player ever and I really wish I had gotten the chance to meet him. Vince Lombardi would definitely have to be there because I feel like there is so much that I could learn from a guy like him, not just about football but about life in general – plus he was a pretty funny guy. And what can be said about Buck O’Neil – a lot of people don’t even know who he was but what that man did for the city of Kansas City, the sport of baseball, and for this country in general – especially in regard to integration and race relations – is unmatchable; he is without a doubt one of the most amazing people to have ever lived.

A Telling Silence

2009-10-12T20:50:00.007-04:00
Like many of the students in my class, I am too young to remember watching the Berlin Wall fall; too young to have been aware of the launch of Desert Storm; and just about too young to recall Nelson Mandela's release from a South African prison and ensuing ascendency to that country's Presidency. While time explains why we did not recognize these momentous world events as they were happening, there is no excuse for our continued ignorance when it comes to understanding apartheid and how it has shaped the world we live in today.

Dr. Lapchick movingly spoke about his involvement in the worldwide sport ban against South Africa in response to the country's apartheid policies. If you have never read or heard about Dr. Lapchick's incredible resiliency and courage to stand up for justice, I suggest you start here in an article written by the late, great Ralph Wiley that captures all that Dr. Lapchick stood and still stands for in the fight for racial equality in sport and society. While we in the class have heard and been inspired by Dr. Lapchick's personal biography before, we were challenged today when Dr. Lapchick began his lecture with a simple question to the class. He asked, "tell me about apartheid."

The silence in the room was telling. While most of us had a very broad understanding that apartheid was a form of legalized segregation in South Africa for most of the 20th Century, none of us felt confident enough to expound upon Dr. Lapchick's simple question. Here we are, graduate level students in a program that preaches an understanding of the important diversity issues of our time, and none of us could talk about apartheid.

While others in the class may have differing opinions, I felt today's lecture was perhaps one of the most important classes I have had in my four semesters in the DeVos program. I consider myself pretty knowledgable on wordly affairs and current events, but for it to have taken this long to really sit down and open my mind up to understand what apartheid was and its larger cultural significance dumbfounds me.

Moving on from our rough start to class, we watched a brilliant documentary out of the United Kingdom entitled More Than Just A Game, based on this book of the same name by Chuck Korr and Marvin Close. Do yourself a favor today - read "More Than Just A Game", research some online about Nelson Mandela, or plan to go see this winter's Invictus, a new Clint Eastwood film about Mandela and his role in South Africa's hosting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Don't sit back and let the world pass you by, become more informed and aware of how history has shaped who and what we are today. This lesson was reinforced to me today more than ever. I always speak about how privileged I am to be a part of this program, but today reminded me just how fortunate I am to be in the company of a leader like Dr. Lapchick, who not only understands the history of sport, but has lived and made history himself.

It is one thing to talk of the importance of racial equality and using sport as a platform for social change; it is quite another to go out and do something about it. In order for our generation to go out and carry on the legacy of Dr. Lapchick, we must first recognize and truly value the need to understand history. When Dr. Lapchick speaks to crowds in their 40s or 50s, the crowd is almost always taken aback by the magnitude of Dr. Lapchick's mention that he was personally invited to Nelson Mandela's inauguration. When he makes the same statement to college crowds, Dr. Lapchick has said that these crowds generally fail to fully comprehend the enormity of that honor.

While we all have always admired and respected Dr. Lapchick and all that he has accomplished, after today, my classmates and I are no longer blind to Nelson Mandela's place in history and how sport helped bring an end to apartheid in South Africa. After today's class, we can begin to appreciate what that inauguration day in 1994 must have meant to Lapchick, Mandela, the people of South Africa, and the rest of the people around the world watching history unfold. Most important of all, today reminded us that we are no longer too young to see the world.

- Charlie

Leadership - Not just something to wear on your sleeve

2009-10-08T12:29:00.005-04:00

"A leader is someone who stands up for justice and doesn't block it's path."
~ Dr. Richard Lapchick

When I first arrived at UCF, one of the first things that my classmates and I received was a black DeVos Program polo and the first time that I wore this polo, I noticed that it said something on the sleeve -

Ethics. Diversity. Leadership. Community.

I have heard before of people who wore their hearts on their sleeves but never before had I worn a goal or mission statement on my sleeve; but that's exactly what I am doing when I wear that polo; I am making it known that I value the same ideals that this program values. In past weeks I have talked about Anucha Browne-Sanders and her ethics, my class and our diversity, and the community that exists within the DeVos Program as well as the communities that we seek to improve. And while again and again, my class has been exposed to great leaders, I just want to talk about what I have learned about leadership in the past week.

Last week, the DeVos Program had the privilege to host Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the NBA's Orlando Magic, in our Distinguished Speaker Series. For a long time, Stan Van Gundy has served as a great leader to the players he has coached on all levels and the past few years, he has served as a great leader in professional sports.

I greatly enjoyed getting to listen to Stan Van Gundy speak and getting to speak with him afterwards. It was refreshing to listen to someone who was so honest about the sports industry. Van Gundy has been a leader his whole life and the thing that he said that really stuck with me was,

"If you're gonna be a leader, you set the values you are looking for ... when you're leaders - you have that same responsibility."

What Stan Van Gundy understands about leadership is that leadership is not simply some title or "being in charge". Leadership is standing up for your values, making sure the right thing is done, and being a positive influence in the lives of those around you. I started with a definition for leadership that our director, Dr. Lapchick, always gives for leadership and I truly believe that Stan Van Gundy fully personifies those aspects. I believe that by any definiton, Coach Van Gundy is a great leader.

Coach Van Gundy also talked to our class about strength, tenacity, and the importance of always choosing responsibility over money when searching for a job. He told us, "never confuse fame and notoriety with importance" and made us understand that a title or people knowing you is never what makes you a leader. Strength is what makes you a leader. The strength to stand up for justice. The strength to never block it's path.

By any definition, Stan Van Gundy is a leader and I feel privileged to have met someone who exemplifies the goals and ideals of leadership that this great program sets forth.

"In anything you do, you're going to be a leader; if you're going to be a leader you have to have a vision and set the course."
~ Coach Stan Van Gundy

Have a great weekend everyone!
~ Devan

Dallas Trip

2009-10-02T16:57:00.005-04:00
Earlier this month, the Class of 2010 took their turn to enjoy one of the greatest facets of the program, the second-year class trip. This year, we went to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to visit premiere sporting venues like the new home of the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, understand all the workings of promoting and operating a Major League Soccer franchise at FC Dallas, listen to the career paths of highly accomplished program alumni and sport professionals in the Dallas area, and be inspired by motivational speakers like Bob Beaudine (if you haven't read the Power of Who, be sure to pick a copy as soon as possible, it may very well change the way you view your career and life).

We learned so much and networked with so many new sport business professionals that it would be unfair to try and recap everything we saw into a short blog format. Suffice it to say, the trip was terrific and we will take many memories from our time there. Here are a few photos in a blog picture essay of sorts that capture the great people we met and great times that were shared for 3 days in Dallas.

Charlie

The Three Amigos

Speakers on our distinguished panel

Our soccer stars with newest soccer, and FC Dallas Fan, Dr. Bill Sutton

The full group outside Arnold Palmer's historic Colonial Golf Course

Marketing Group for Dr. Sutton's class project enjoying the suite view at TCU Football game.

Students, alumni and industry leaders at networking dinner

Meet The Class 2011 - Christina

2009-09-29T11:31:00.003-04:00

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: Christina Li Russell

Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI

Undergraduate School & Major: Central Michigan University – Sport Studies FIRE UP CHIPS!!!

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I worked for the Central Michigan Men’s Basketball Program as a Student Manager. I have also coached a High School freshmen Volleyball team.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: I currently work for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose to only apply to the DeVos Sport Business Management Program because I
believe in the core values and goals that this program has to offer. Upholding ethical standards and using sport to improve society are values that I will focus on throughout my time in the program and in my career.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): Currently I would like to work for a Professional Team on the community relations side of business. But the DeVos program opens your eyes to many careers I did not know was possible so I am open to other options.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why?:

1. Arthur Ashe: aside from his pure athletic skill on the court, he was a force for political and social change in sport.
2. Muhammad Ali: greatest heavyweight boxing champ ever, who is in my opinion, unparalleled both in and out of the ring.
3. Billie Jean King: Phenomenal tennis player but most importantly an advocate for the women’s movement in sport against sexism.

Popular < Right

2009-09-26T12:41:00.002-04:00

“Yeah I did, I don’t know man. UCF just seems like they’re trying to be different. I would probably stay in Florida if they [UCF] were like everyone else [other Sport Business Management graduate programs], but they just spend so much time trying to be different.”

Last fall, I sent out applications and resumes to a number of graduate programs with the hope of getting into a Sport Management MBA program. I will be honest and say that a year ago, I was not entirely sure of which program was the right fit for me, but I had narrowed down my list and I sent out my applications and allowed myself to become a part of that process.

Throughout February and March, I traveled all over, interviewing at different programs, and it was while on one of these trips that I met a kid from Florida. We were talking about where we had interviewed and when I asked him if he had interviewed at UCF, the aforementioned quote at the beginning of this post was his reply.

At the time, I was about 90% sure that I would choose UCF if they accepted me but I was not 100% sure – this person’s comments brought me the other 10%. You see, he had said his comments negatively but in his criticism there was a very profound shred of truth – UCF was different and that’s why I had to go there.

I remember when I was in 2nd grade there was this poster on the wall that said, “What is right isn’t always popular and what is popular isn’t always right”. In our conversation I realized that when this guy had said, “different” he was referring to the fact that DeVos had such a focus on diversity and ethics in sport. The more that I heard him criticize the program, the more I realized that these very ideals are the reason that I wanted to work in the sports industry – because I want to stand up for what is right and foster diversity in all aspects of life; especially sports. I feel that I have such an appreciation for diversity because it is not something that I have always been able to enjoy.

I come from a small town of 1000 people in Missouri. The population is predominantly (over 95%) white by race, Christian by religion, and middle class by economic standing. It was not until I was a freshman in college that I began to understand that there are so many people in this world that are different from me. Initially, when I first went to my undergrad I found myself shocked by the array of people that do exist and the number of ways in which we’re all different – age, race, sex, gender, religion, nationality, economic standing, and sexual orientation. However, I found that as time passed, I moved from a state of being shocked by other peoples’ differences to being tolerant of those differences to actually appreciating the ways in which we are all different.

And in a nutshell that is what I believe diversity is – the celebration of peoples’ differences. It is a chance for us to reflect on the richness of the human tapestry and be thankful for the many ways that we were made different. And while we have come a long way in terms of diversity in sport, there is still much ground to be covered. The directors of the DeVos Program (Dr. Richard Lapchick, Dr. Bill Sutton, and Dr. Keith Harrison) have made this their life’s work – to promote diversity and ethics in sport. As students, we have the opportunity to learn and work alongside them as we learn how we can positively impact the future of the sports industry. By having the privilege of being employed by the The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) I personally, have been able to contribute to the research behind the Race and Gender Report Cards (RGRC) that are issued for every collegiate and professional sport in this country every year. Several of my classmates and those who came before us, have contributed to report cards such as this and published books and articles about the issues of diversity in sport. Nowhere else would you have these opportunities or find this education.

While we spend a lot of time exploring diversity issues (through our classes, guest speakers, and trips) it is clear that this program does not only promote this virtue – but that we live it out as well. When I look at my class, I see an amalgam of everything that humanity has to offer. Our class has people of all genders and all races. We have people that have business and sports business backgrounds and we have math minors and political science majors. We have people that worked for years in the sports industry and we have people that have not ever completed any kind of sports internship. We have people from Kentucky, Florida, Nebraska, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation (just to name a few). We have people from large cities, like Chicago and Boston, and universities and from small towns, like my own, and smaller schools. We have people of all racial, religious, educational, and financial backgrounds who are working together to not only get an MBA in Sport Management, but to figure out how to use that MBA to encourage business ethics and promote diversity in the field of sport.

What my acquaintance from Florida referred to as different, I call the right thing. I will even go a step further and call it the necessary thing. I find it hard to believe that any business education, sport or otherwise, can be complete if people do not recognize the role of diversity and ethics. There have been significant steps in sport - such as those taken by people like Jackie Robinson and Jim Thorpe and what we have been able to accomplish with Title IX - but there is still much work to be done.

There has to come a day where in one of humanity’s oldest traditions, competitive sport, we can use the array of differences that humanity has to offer as a point that brings us together, not one that drives us apart. There is just one race – human. The DeVos program recognizes this fact. Does that make us different? Perhaps. Is being different a bad thing though? Has anyone ever become the best by conforming to everyone else? Not at all.

When I talk about these things, I can’t help but remember that poster on the wall of my second grade class room:

“What is right isn’t always popular and what is popular isn’t always right.”

Be the change,

Devan

What it means to have a living classroom

2009-09-20T10:10:00.006-04:00

"You have a responsibility as leaders ... you have to have integrity. I wasn't willing to compromise myself to keep a job - I hope that's not you."
~ Anucha Browne Sanders

These are words that I am not likely to ever forget. Leadership has been defined on so many occasions and by so many people that it almost seems like a fluid concept. But as Anucha Browne Sanders spoke these words to the students of the DeVos class this past Friday, I realized that this was not some mere definition but that these words came from a woman whose story is the very definition of what it means to be a leader; to overcome odds; and to be the kind of moral beacon that the sports industry so desperately needs.

Anucha Browe is currently the Senior Athletic Director of Marketing for the University of Buffalo but is most famous for the sexual harassment lawsuit that she filed against Isaiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden back in 2006 after she was fired from the New York Knicks. She spoke to us about her unlikely career path, the importance of building a network, how to take advantage of opportunities, and the importance of ethics in the workplace.

As she spoke I understood how rare someone like Anucha Browne Sanders really is. The path that she has taken, the barriers that she overcame to become one of the senior most members of an NBA franchise being an African-American woman, and the moral fiber that she showed in standing up for herself and women in the workplace everywhere with the lawsuit that she brought against Isaiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden, are really nothing short of inspiring.

As I listened to her speak, I learned the importance of professionalism, corporate responsibility, integrity, and how far mutual respect can take you. And as I listened to her I realized how fortunate I am to be in a program like DeVos that presents a living classroom experience that allows us to have a speaker come in almost every Friday to teach us valuable life and professional lessons and then allow us to personally interact with those speakers. This week it was an opportunity to listen to and meet Anucha Browne Sanders and hear her story and next week it will be Otis Smith – the general manager of the Orlando Magic.

This is really what defines this program – not just an opportunity to grow academically, but the opportunity to grow together that will not only allow us to experience career success but to be better people, to be the moral face of whatever workplace we enter, and to always, always, always stand up for what is right. Nowhere else would I learn these lessons, nowhere else would I have this experience, and because of that there is nowhere else that I would rather be than a student in the DeVos Program here at UCF.

Have a great week!
Devan

Meet the Class 2011 - Lavera

2009-09-15T15:44:00.005-04:00

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: Lavera Morris

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Kentucky-Kinesiology

Past Sports Industry Experiences: none

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: TIDES

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The dual degrees, and the opportunities and activities that are provided in the program.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): After graduation my short term plan is to become an A.D. at a small college. My long term plan is to open a fitness facility in an effort to decrease the obesity rates.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? I would chose Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) because she was a great American sprinter and one of my inspirations when I first started running. Steve Prefontaine also because he was a great American runner and he is someone who is a very important figure to distance runners. Lastly I would chose Billie Jean King because I feel as if she had a instrumental part in why I am able to be a confident female athlete.

More than a program - We're a family

2009-09-13T08:36:00.003-04:00
“Huh? Sport business management? What’s that? What can you do with that?”

Since the fall of 2007 (when I first decided I wanted to pursue my Sport Business Management MBA) that has always been the response I have gotten when I tried to explain to friends and family “what I wanted to be when I grew up”. After two years of fielding that question while doing everything necessary to make that goal a reality – it is almost a surreal feeling that I am about to start my fourth week of classes in the DeVos Program.

These first four weeks have been a bit of a blur with so much going on and so many opportunities presenting themselves – at times it’s hard for me to sort out everything that I have already gotten to experience in just a short month. I only bring this up because I know that if time is flying for me, chances are it’s flying for you as well.

For many of you, you’re in the homestretch – you are studying up to take your GMAT, getting your resume together, and racking your brains about this admission essay; meanwhile you are trying to take advantage of every academic and professional opportunity that presents itself because you have been doing for some time exactly what I had to do.

You’re answering that question – you are trying to explain to people your passion and why you want to get into this program so badly. For some of you, you can straight up tell your parents that you one day want to be the President of the San Diego Chargers, the VP of Marketing for the PGA, the Athletic Director for USC, or the Marketing Director for Nike. Others of you are not sure exactly what you want to do but you know one thing – that you love sports, that you want to work in this industry, and [I hope] that you want to make a positive difference along the way.

In my case, a lot of my friends and family could not understand, and many of them, still do not understand exactly what I am studying or what my goals are – but it’s okay; because they see my passion for it and they support me in pursuing something that I absolutely love. My family does not necessarily like the fact that I am so far away – that I moved from rural Missouri to Orlando, Florida. Yet, they know that not only do I want to work in sports but I want to promote diversity and bring about social change. They understand that if these truly are my goals then the only program for me is the one here at the University of Central Florida.

I have been asked the questions, I am still being asked the questions, and sometimes it is hard to come up with an answer. I have been exactly where you are right now and I am telling you what my best of friends told me throughout this process – stay the course. If you are truly passionate about this program and what this program stands for then this is the place for you and I am excited for you to open this next chapter in your life.

I know what it is like for your friends and family to not understand the degree you are pursuing or why you worked long hours for little to no money in that summer sports internship but I am only four weeks in and I can tell you – it’s totally worth it. The reason that I know that it’s worth it; the reason that I have been able to make this transition; and the reason that I know that you can succeed in this program is because I know that when you choose to come to DeVos, you will be blessed with just as awesome as a class as I have already been.

When you choose DeVos you are not just choosing “another graduate program”, you are choosing something more than that – you are choosing to become a part of this family. I thought that when I first got down here that I was going to be intimidated because I was going to be surrounded by 28 other students in my class, many of whom got higher test scores than I did, or had better grades, or had more sport experience. I was a bit nervous because my undergraduate degrees were not business at all but when I got down here I realized that none of that really mattered – I had been chosen to be a part of the DeVos Class of 2011 and each and every one of us had been chosen for a specific reason.

You would think that the mindset among such a group of people would be one of competition – trying to get the best of the best jobs and opportunities. But the truth is we are one class, one team, and one family – we are all working together because we all have similar goals and the truth is – we need each other to accomplish whatever our individual goals may be.

I have only been around this group for a little over a month and I already know that I can go up to any one of my 28 classmates with a need and they are going to help me out. I know that they support my goals and dreams in the same way that I support theirs and the best part – I have a group of friends who doesn’t ask me, “sport business management? What’s that? What can you do with that?”; because they are along for the same exact ride that I am on.

It is amazing to be part of such a small close-knit group. It is incredible to know that I have that kind of support. And it is incredible to know that our class has three directors who will give us a more complete education about the sports industry than can be found anywhere else. We will learn about the business, marketing, and trends of the sports industry, but unlike other programs, we get the chance to learn about how to foster diversity and the ethics needed to succeed in the sports industry. These are lessons that are just as, if not more important, then the business aspects of the industry – and the only place that will teach you these lessons and give you such a holistic education is the DeVos program here at UCF.

I know that you are reading this blog because you have at least thought that this might be the right program for you. You are reading this because you want to be a part of the DeVos family. You have been working so hard – you did that internship, you are taking your GMAT, you worked hard to get the right grades, and I know at some point you have had to answer that question. You have had to explain to others why you are pursuing this degree and what exactly that degree is.

What is sports business management? Generally speaking, it is the application of business principles and practices to the sports industry. What can you do with it? Almost anything you want. You can have the opportunity to get that job you have always dreamed of having. You can promote diversity in a sports setting. You can bring about positive social change. Why DeVos? Because we’re more than a program, we’re a family. We’re a family that is dedicated to the ethics and diversity of sport. We’re a family that cares just as much about your professional goals as you do. We’re the family and we’re the program that can enable you to be the change. And Florida’s a pretty great place to live as well. :)

I know you’ve been working hard and I know you want to be apart of this program and trust me, your application due date, your interview, and your first week of classes will be here before you know it. Don't quit now - because trust me, everything that you are doing now and going through - it is absolutely worth it.

Keep up the hard work!

Devan

Meet the Class 2011 - David

2009-09-11T16:29:00.002-04:00

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: David Benoit

Hometown: Boston, Ma

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Central Florida, Marketing

Past Sports Industry Experiences: UCF Athletics Sales & Service Account Executive. Auburn University Montgomery Assistant Intramurals Director

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Central Florida Sports Commission Ticket Sales/Marketing Intern. The Institute of Diversity &Ethics in Sport Graduate Assistant

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: Its focus on ethics and diversity amongst one of the most dominating industry on the planet. Also, the ability to pursue 2 degrees.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I want to work in the front office of an NFL franchise or for the NFL itself.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? Joe Lapchick, Eddie Robinson, Jim Brown

Meet the Class 2011 - Tarek

2009-09-08T19:53:00.005-04:00

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: Tarek Chehab

Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida

Undergraduate School & Major: Saint Leo University, Accounting

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I am working on earning my Certification as a public accountant. I would love to work as a CPA for the sport/entertainment industry. My long term aspiration is to become a Chief Financial Officer of a Professional Sports team.

Future Career Ambitions: Where to begin? The stress on ethics and diversity are very important to me. Issues such as social and professional equality for women and minorities are pinnacle. The camaraderie of being in a family-type environment with small class sizes. The importance the DeVos program sets on giving back to the community. Lastly and certainly not least- the “living classroom” vision because, lets face it- there are a lot of things in the real world that cannot be taught in class.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why: (1) Hakeem Olajuwon, in his 1993-1994 season he was the first player to be named NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Finals MVP in the same season. Even though he was a beast on the court he won me over as my favorite NBA player because of his off court humbleness. (2) Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer, this man is a coaching genius. Don’t believe me? Read his book - Urban's Way: Urban Meyer, the Florida Gators, and His Plan to Win. (3) Tiger Woods, it just would be weird for me not answer with the best golfer in the world with such an inquiry.

Meet the Class 2011 - Daniel

2009-08-31T20:09:00.004-04:00

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: Daniel Caudy

Hometown: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Undergraduate School & Major: University of South Carolina. Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I have completed two internships to date. My first internship was with the Columbia Inferno. a minor league hockey team in the ECHL. My second internship was with the Compliance Office of the Georgia Tech Athletic Association in Atlanta, Georgia.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistantship with The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos program for several reasons. The fact that the program is highly regarded throughout the country and puts an emphasis on business principles as well as sport was a deciding factor. The emphasis the program places on ethics, diversity, and social change brought through sport were extremely important to me as I believe sport is a vehicle through which we can make a difference in society. The opportunity to work with a small, tight-knit group of people who share my interests for 16 months excited me. Lastly, the opportunity to learn from some of the world-class professors who lead this program made DeVos seem like the perfect place for me.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I have not completely decided what I want to do once I have completed the DeVos program. As of right now I have two ultimate goals: The Athletics Director for a BCS conference school, and the President/General Manager of a National Hockey League team. In the short term I hope to be gainfully employed by a BCS conference school, an NHL team, or the NCAA or NHL national offices.

Meet the Class 2011 - Natalie

2009-08-31T16:54:00.007-04:00

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: Natalie Welch

Hometown: Cherokee Indian Reservation, North Carolina

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Tennessee, Bachelor's in Sport Management, minor in business

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Mainly fitness related, I've worked in 2 different fitness centers doing a little bit of everything. I also interned at the UT Thornton Athletics Student Life Center, working with student athletes progress towards degrees.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant - The Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): There are so many things I want to do in my career. I would love to work with a team or organization on fitness-related community outreach. I would also like to eventually open up my own fitness and sport related business. Another goal I have is obtain my doctorate degree so I can one day teach at the collegiate level and then establish a sport management program.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: So many reasons! The dual degree is an obvious reason. What really makes DeVos special is the focus on ethics, diversity, and simply making an impact on the sports world.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? I would have to choose Jim Thorpe because he was one of the greatest Native American athletes of all time and I would love to get his perspective from the good old days; Have to do Michael Jordan, the greatest!; Kathrine Switzer because she was the woman who challenged the all-male tradition of the Boston Marathon and became the first woman to officially run it.

Being the Change

2009-08-28T11:28:00.003-04:00
Hey Everyone,

My name is Devan (or as my classmates call me – Digs) and I am stoked to have the opportunity to spend the next 16 months sharing my DeVos experience with all of you. Everything that has brought me to the point where I am a member of the Class of 2011 has been nothing short of one fantastic ride; but I know the real adventure is just about to begin.

I recently graduated from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) where I received a dual-bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Political Science. While at UCM I participated in a number of student organizations and completed a number of internships and it was during the summer of 2007, while serving as the Assistant General Manager for a minor league sports team, that I realized that what I had always wanted to do and what I wanted to do now, more than ever, was work in the field of sports.

But to simply work in the sports industry was not and is not enough for me. No matter what field I work in, I have always wanted to be somewhere that I could make a difference; I wanted to be in a position where I could bring about social change and foster diversity. These have always been goals of mine and as I looked at sport management programs across the country – I found there was one that could not only provide me a top-notch education; but one that would support and encourage my other endeavors as well. I have always lived by Gandhi’s maxim of, “be the change you wish to see in the world” and since it’s inception, the DeVos program at UCF has done just that and in my first two weeks here, I have been fortunate enough to be apart of that change.

Last week, the DeVos classes of 2010 and 2011 went to New Orleans and spent a week rebuilding the Ninth Ward, which is still in ruin even four years after Hurricane Katrina. We spent the week doing a number of jobs which included insulating houses, hanging sheet rock, and painting. We did this in cooperation with Hope For Stanley and the St. Bernard Project (CNN’s Humanitarian Organization of the Year for 2008). Overall, it was an eye-opening trip that gave all of us the chance to truly give our time, our talents, and our energy to help rebuild a city that still desperately needs our help. This was the 22nd such trip by the DeVos program and there are already plans for at least two more this school year.

I cannot even begin to describe the emotions that such an experience stirred in me or to tell you the things I saw but I will tell you that it was one of the most meaningful weeks of my life. In the Ninth Ward, we saw devastation, we saw shortcomings, and we saw a disaster; but we also saw hope – we saw the heart of the city; we saw the spirit of New Orleans that assured me that the Big Easy will one day shine bigger and brighter than ever and to be a part of this rebuilding endeavor now and in the future is something that I am definitely looking forward to.

I came to DeVos because I do want to work in the sports industry, I do want to be successful; but more than anything – I want to make a difference; I want to be the change and sport is the best way to implement that change. Dr. Lapchick will often say that, “there’s something about sport” and he’s absolutely right. Sport unites us, sport brings us together, and in the case of New Orleans, sport has renewed the hope of an entire population, and sport is rebuilding that great city.

Last week I realized that more than ever DeVos is the place for me and I look forward to receiving a world-class education and using the influence of this industry to make a positive difference in the world. There is something about sport that transcends shoe contracts, web-gems, and multi-million dollar deals – there’s an opportunity to be that change. There are 29 of us in the class of 2011 who are here for that very reason and I’m excited to be a part of this class and to see what we will accomplish and how we will change the face of sport.

Until next week,

Devan

What We Did On Our Summer Vacation

2009-08-24T11:50:00.007-04:00
With our last semester of classes now underway (woo-hoo!), I wanted to give you all a quick update on how the Class of 2010 has spent our time since the summer term ended.

The Intramural 5-on-5 Soccer team, led by a balanced scoring attack throughout the tournament, won the Summer Competitive League Championship with a 4-1 victory in the title game. This is the third championship won to-date by members of the 2010 class, with previous titles earned in baseball and women's basketball. In our downtime away from class, we found time for some relaxation, the celebration of several of our summer birthdays, and time home to see family and friends.

A group of 10 DeVos students made a week-long trip to Toronto and New York City. Based upon all of the stories and laughs that have been shared since this group got back to Florida, it is evident that a good time was had by all. Some highlights of the trip included visits to the home ballparks for the Blue Jays and Yankees, informational interviews at Madison Square Garden, Canadian theme parks and all of the notable NYC tourist attractions.

We concluded our summer vacation with a return trip to New Orleans to assist with Hope For Stanley in rebuilding homes in the Lower Ninth. Much of our time was spent working with the St. Bernard Project, an outstanding New Orelans based group that was honored this past year when its founder Liz McCarthy was named the CNN Hero of the Year. Our class did everything from installing insulation, hanging drywall, mold remediation, mudding, painting, sanding and perofrming the final touches on homes for residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina's devastation. Additionally, the DeVos Program welcomed the new Class of 2011 on their first trip to New Orleans. The new class is a great group and we look forward to getting to know them better and helping to set them up for success in our final months in DeVos. Expect to see new postings soon that will introduce the new class and detail their unique experiences as they begin their graduate studies.

That's all for now, back to the books. Take care and enjoy the day.

-Charlie

Summer Classes Will Make You Do Crazy Things

2009-06-24T22:36:00.007-04:00

Last weekend, some of us from the 2010 class made our way down to Sebastian, Florida for an experience of a lifetime. The level of excitement increased during the hour and a half drive to the jump site. No one could sit still or stop talking about what was about to happen. You could see the anticipation in everyone’s eyes, well everyone but Dean, who in typical Dean style was sleeping. After arriving and filling out all the requisite paperwork, Alejandra, Ben, Dean, Nathalie, Nicole, Steve and I then waited for their chance to board the plane.

With just minutes remaining before takeoff, we were called over to be fitted with harnesses and briefed on the tandem jump. The briefing consisted of four short statements: cross your arms on your chest as you exit the plane, tilt your head back, bend at the waist and put your arms up you when your instructor taps you. After that quick crash course in skydiving, I and three others crammed into a small plane for takeoff. Looking out of the plane windows a few minutes after takeoff, it seemed like we were really high up. Then we found out that we were only half way up. With about two minutes until we reached our jump altitude of 13,500 feet, the instructors attached themselves to us and reemphasized the four statements we had heard on the ground.

Jump time! I was seated in the last position on the plane, therefore observing everyone make possibly their last decision in life, to jump or not to jump. Actions happened far more quickly then I could have imagined. A brief look down as I scooted along the bench towards the open door and Nicole and Steve were already off the plane. Ben was next and then me. In the one second I sat on the ledge of plane, legs dangling over the Florida Coast, my jump training came to me and I crossed my arms and tilted my head back.

Falling towards the ground with the whirling air engulfing you, complete freedom overcomes your body. Fear is not present as you reach a speed of 120 mph, twirling and twisting over amazing views of Florida. After falling 9,000 feet the parachute opens and every sound is silenced. The chaos and stimulation your body had just gone through is transformed in the snap of your fingers into perfect peace. After absorbing five minutes of breathtaking scenery while gently floating towards Earth, everything is restored to normal with a smooth slide landing on the ground.

The experience was remarkable for all seven of us. After the second group had completed their jump, none of us could stop smiling or recounting our individual experiences. Whether it was steering the parachute or going through a cloud during the freefall, everyone’s experience was unique. We are already planning another trip before graduation. After regrouping we headed to Woody’s for some barbeque and then we were off to Cocoa Beach to join up with more classmates for a day’s break from classes. The day was a true three headed monster; great weather, incredible jump, relaxing beach.

- Chris

Summer Class Blitz

2009-06-02T10:22:00.003-04:00
A quick update on the Class of 2010. We've been keeping very busy this summer with four classes. The classes range from the final portion of our MBA core (Information Systems) to a leadership seminar led by Dr. Harrison. Additionally, our class had the choice of whether to take an events planning course with Dr. Harrison or a professional sales class led by Dr. Sutton and Dr. Gundy, as well as the choice between a pro sports seminar or independent college sports study.

Although the time commitment required to complete summer classes is undoubtedly taxing, we are learning some valuable lessons through projects that are applicable to the real-world. In addition to polishing up on our interview and business etiquette skills, we are working on an exciting t-shirt sales promotion with a professional sports franchise that requires us to work on every step of the process from initial design to final implementation. Meanwhile, several of our capstone sport marketing projects are starting to take shape and will come to full fruition in the coming weeks and months.

When the semester ends, we'll blog to let you know how some of our projects turned out. Until then, its back to the grind. Take care.

Help Raise Money For Hope For Stanley

2009-05-27T12:07:00.007-04:00

As we have said on our blog and web site before, a major cornerstone of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is our involvement with the Hope For Stanley Foundation.

In addition to volunteering your time and effort with the rebuilding effort in New Orleans, you can help support this foundation and its cause with the simple click of a mouse. GoodSearch is a search engine portal that allows you to earn a penny to the charity of your choice for every search you make. This means, if you type in "NCAS" or "National Consortium for Academic and Sports", under the charity search, you can raise money for Hope For Stanley.

Additionally, GoodShop is its sister site that donates a percentage of your final purchase to your favorite charity. This includes popular e-commerce sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, eBay, iTunes, Target and Walmart among many others.

Thanks for helping raise money for Hope for Stanley!

One Month To Go

2009-04-06T08:01:00.002-04:00
Hey Everyone,

Sorry for the infrequent posting, life as a Sport Business Management student has been genuinely hectic over the last month, although we would not have it any other way. Group projects are the core of what we are doing this semester, so I'll give you all a breakdown of some of the projects we are working on right now.

Marketing - The first half of the semester was all about learning theory in traditional lecture style, but for the second half our class has immersed themselves in an online simulation known as Markstrat. The Markstrat game affords teams of students the opportunity to promote, position and develop brands of products in a competition for highest profit margins and stock prices. We are down to the last two periods of online simulation before making our final presentations. My group has been lagging a bit in stock price (currently #4 of #5 in our industry) but our stock just went up 200 points last week so things are looking promising for the stretch run.

Management - Our class has been divided into groups of 4-5 people all semester to analyze the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of many different companies through various case studies. For our group's last project, we took a field trip to meet management at a company and find out about their organizational structure first-hand. Lucky for our us our company was Wonderworks, an upside-down playhouse with all-you-can eat pizza and a magic show. Not a bad way to "research" a group project.

Diversity in Sport - We are juggling a few group projects right now in Dr. Harrison's class, from analyzing research articles, to forming our arguments for a class debate regarding whether college athletes should have to graduate before turning pro, to developing ideas for a Universal Orlando project initiative. These projects should be fun and keep us busy for this last month of classes.

Enjoy the Day!

Charlie

Tournament Time

2009-03-17T11:21:00.003-04:00
Be sure to check out the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports' latest studies released this week examining the Academic Progress and Graduation Rates of the teams selected for the Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments.

They can be found here and here on the TIDES web site.

Does your favorite team on the court make the grade in the classroom?

DeVos Program Web Site

2009-02-12T01:39:00.002-05:00

Attention Readers,

I wanted to post a quick clarification regarding our DeVos Sport Business Management Program Web Site. There are links to our old Web Site on search engines like Google and Yahoo, so I wanted to provide the link to our new and improved web site here.

On this page, you can find out all of the important information regarding our program and its mission, the leadership, students and how we are changing the world through sport.

For those who cannot click the link above, please post the following address in your browser.

http://web.bus.ucf.edu/sportbusiness/

Thanks!

Enjoy the Day,

Charlie

Meet The Class of 2010 - Jessica

2009-01-28T13:49:00.004-05:00

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: Jessica Hanson
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Undergraduate College: Transylvania University
Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Background: I played 4 years of Basketball and 3 years of Tennis and served as the team captain for both my Junior and Senior years. I also had a summer internship with the American Volleyball Coaches Association where I helped develop the marketing plan for the 2007 Division 1 Championships.

Current G.A. Position or Industry Job: Graduate Assistant for the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)

Future Career Goals: I’d love to work in college athletics. I’m not really sure where I’ll fit yet because I’d like to incorporate my accounting background, but working for the NCAA or an athletic conference is a possibility.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: After my first visit to UCF and the DeVos program I knew this was the perfect place for me. The people are amazing and the Big 3 (Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Harrison, and Dr. Sutton) have incredible connections to every career area in sports. I was also drawn to the unique fact that the DeVos program focuses on diversity, giving back to the community, and making a real difference in the world through sports.

Dr. Lapchick on ESPN's Outside The Lines

2008-12-16T14:19:00.005-05:00
Last week, The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) published its latest study examining the academic performance measures of teams playing in this year's round of college football bowl games. The release of this study coincided with an increased industry and media focus on the lack of African-American head football coaches. Dr. Lapchick wrote an excellent article on the matter that was published on ESPN, which you should take the time to read here.

Additionally, Dr. Lapchick was part of a round table discussion on this past Sunday's episode of Outside the Lines, which highlighted the controversial Auburn University hire and the failures of other universities to genuinely consider African-Americans for their head coaching vacancies. The video of that discussion can be seen on the Outside The Lines Web Page under the link "OTL Roundtable: Civil Rights Movement," or with the right browser, in the embedded video below.

As always, all of Dr. Lapchick's articles and the studies he publishes with researching assistance from DeVos Graduate Students can be found on the TIDES Web Page.

Checking In... End of First Semester

2008-12-16T12:57:00.005-05:00
Long time no blog! Sorry for the delay in creating new posts, but we have just finished up a busy first semester. With finals out of the way, I can now take a few moments to wrap up how our first round of classes finished up.

As is par for the course, the end of the semester brought its typical deluge of assignments and projects to complete in addition to prepping for tough exams (i.e. Dr. Pennington's doozy of an economics test). Between creating original videos poking fun at organizational behavior concepts to running and analyzing regressions on statistical software, we were definitely challenged and learned a great deal through these assignments. With four M.B.A. courses now completed, we look forward to the spring semester where we will take our first classes with Dr. Lapchick and Dr. Harrison as well as continuing with three more business courses.

Before we get to spring however, we have a few weeks off to spend with family and friends and to recharge our batteries. Some of our class will be heading down to New Orleans tomorrow to continue work with Hope For Stanley and the rebuilding efforts there, so we wish them safe travels and hopes for another rewarding experience. We will be sure to post pictures and reactions from the latest New Orelans trip in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the Day and Happy Holidays,

Charlie

Hail To The Champions

2008-11-24T08:57:00.004-05:00

Congratulations are in order for the ladies of the Class of 2010 and their win in the UCF Intramural Basketball Championship on Wednesday Night! Down by 4 at halftime, Team SBM (Sports Business Management) outscored their oppponents 20-9 in the second half to secure the 34-27 victory.

Leading the way in scoring for SBM was Nathalie Reshard, with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 authoritative blocks. Jessica "Big Fundamental" Hanson also had 8 boards while Crystal Apellaniz hit two big three pointers on her way to 8 points. Ashley Turner chipped in 5 points while Reshina Warren and Jacque Pannell made huge plays all game.

A box-score and more information on their win can be found at the UCF IM Sports Website.

DeVos 1st Annual Alumni Weekend

2008-11-18T14:59:00.007-05:00

Over the weekend of October 7-8, the DeVos Program held its first ever Alumni Weekend. This was the first ever organized gathering of students from all five of the graduating classes alongside students from the current two classes. The events of the weekend provided time not only for past students and leaders of the DeVos Program to catch-up and reminisce, but also cultivated networking opportunities and new friendships between members of the DeVos family past and present.

The main event took place Friday night at NBA City down at the Universal Studios City Walk. The restaurant proved to be a fun and appropriately sport-themed atmosphere, while the NBA City staff catered an excellent meal for a large and hungry DeVos family.

The party continued on Saturday with a tailgate at Southside BBQ on the UCF campus. The day not only marked a reunion of DeVos classmates, but it was also UCF's Homecoming Game as well. After wrapping up the tailgate with inspirational and kind words from our distinguished speaker and namesake of the Hope For Stanley Foundation, Mr. Stanley Stewart, our family made their way to Brighthouse Networks Stadium for the game.

While the UCF Knights came up short of a Homecoming Day victory, the day and night before were a resounding success for the DeVos Program. The planning and diligent work of members of the Class of 2009 paid off with a weekend that will be remembered fondly. A new tradition has been started and we will look forward to future reunions with anticipation as our network grows and each future DeVos class builds upon the successes and legacies of the original core of students who helped create the program in its formative years.

Meet The Class of 2010 - Steven

2008-11-18T14:24:00.004-05:00

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: Steven Clenney
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergraduate College: Florida State University
Undergraduate Major: Marketing and Media Production
Background: Seminole Productions Assistant Producer, Florida State University; ARAMARK at Turner Field, Atlanta, GA; Orlando Predators (Arena Football League), Orlando, FL

Current G.A. Position or Industry Job: Graduate Assistant for the Campus Activities Board and Guest Services Staff for UCF Football

Future Career Goals: I would like to one day work in corporate sponsorships or promotions at a league or team.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: I chose the DeVos Program because of the commitment to diversity and community service. Also, I wanted to be a part of a family atmosphere and learn from the most influential people in the industry.

Meet The Class of 2010 - Jacque

2008-11-18T14:15:00.004-05:00

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: Jacquelyn Pannell
Hometown: Bloomfield, CT
Undergraduate College: Emmanuel College
Undergraduate Major: Business Management
Background: NBAtv Brand Ambassador for the 2008 NBA Finals, Director of Teens-N-Motion Sports Camp, Intern for The Center for the Study of Sport in Society, President of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference’s SAAC, Captain of the Emmanuel Saints Women’s Basketball Team, Assistant to the Emmanuel College Athletic Director

Current G.A. Position or Industry Job: Graduate Assistant for National Consortium for Academics and Sport (NCAS)

Future Career Goals: My goal is to work for an organization that will allow me to incorporate my passions for sports, diversity, service, and event planning.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: I choose the DeVos program because of its emphasis on diversity and ethics in sports. My mentor, Dr. Rissmeyer, advised me to continue my education at a place where I would learn not only in the classroom but from the leaders the program. When I researched the program I realized that the director was the keynote speaker at my first diversity conference in high school and founder of the organization where I was doing my internship. The rest is history!

Community Service - Scholar Baller

2008-10-30T10:56:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-28T15:55:00.009-04:00

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

2008-10-28T14:38:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-16T14:49:00.006-04:00

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

2008-10-13T13:36:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-13T13:26:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-09T16:22:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-03T12:36:00.012-04:00

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

2008-10-01T16:11:00.008-04:00

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

2008-10-01T15:24:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-01T14:50:00.006-04:00

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

2008-10-01T14:29:00.006-04:00

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.

Meet The Class of 2010 - William

2008-09-25T15:42:00.008-04:00

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: William Johnson
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergraduate College: The Florida State University
Undergraduate Major: Business Management

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

Future Career Goals: Working in professional soccer and eventually moving up to the ownership level.

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: The program stands for ethics, diversity, leadership, and community. The community aspect is very unique and the professors are good, positive role models.

Meet The Class of 2010 - Charlie

2008-09-25T14:59:00.011-04:00

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: Charlie Harless
Hometown: Hollywood, MD
Undergraduate College: The University of Tennessee
Undergraduate Major: Sport Management
Background: Head Student Manager for Tennessee Lady Vol Basketball Program, Intern in Athlete Services for the United States Olympic Committee

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

Future Career Goals: Working in college athletics administration and earning my doctorate in sport studies

Reasons For Choosing DeVos: Opportunity to work alongside highly motivated peers who are looking to not only be leaders in sport, but leaders in their community as well. The educational opportunity to earn two degrees while being placed in real-life sport and business environments presented a challenging and collaborative academic experience that I could not pass up.