Meet the Class - Kelvin

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: Kelvin Ang

Hometown: Singapore
Undergraduate School & Major: Syracuse University, Newspaper Journalism and Geography

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I worked for two and a half years, first as a Sportswriter and then as the Sports Editor, of the Idaho State Journal, a daily newspaper in Pocatello, Idaho. I have also interned at the newspapers in Syracuse, N.Y., and Altoona, Pa., and for MLB.com covering the Milwaukee Brewers.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant for Dr. Lapchick

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I was impressed by how tight-knit the DeVos community felt when I interviewed with the students and directors. The program also stood out because of other components such as its service trips to New Orleans.

Future Career Ambitions: I am still exploring various job possibilities in the sports field. I would be interested in working on a team’s publications, or perhaps in the operations or compliance fields.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? The ability to read anyone’s mind.

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 baseball legend Hank Aaron, whom I have always admired. I would love to hear how he managed to maintain a positive outlook on life and stay consistent on the field even while suffering from death threats and racist vitriol during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record.

Renewing New Orleans, Renewing our souls

"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

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...

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

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

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

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

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