October 23–25, 2014
Committee chair, Bob Mlakar, welcomed the new committee members.
Harry Sheehy, director of athletics and recreation, provided an overview of athletics in general and an update on the fall season. Topics included President Hanlon’s 1.5 percent budget reallocation initiative; an independent review for a coach; new coaches; Title IX compliance; the current “landscape” of parental involvement in athletics; and uniforms and branding.
Drew Galbraith, senior associate athletics director for Dartmouth Peak Performance (DP2)spoke about the academic, athletic, and personal components of DP2, and he noted that Dartmouth has led NCAA Division I in major academic metrics three years in a row. Drew also covered academic innovations such as the Advising 360 program and SWIFT programs. Drew also spoke about Dartmouth’s comprehensive health-screening process and innovations that are connecting athletes to the best medical care. Drew also noted that DP2 is helping with retention of students in athletic programs.
Donnie Brooks, assistant athletic director for DP2,provided an overview of DP2 Career Connections and shared the concept of “success after graduation” for all Dartmouth athletes. Donnie said the DP2 Career Connections program includes many elements, such as Dartmouth Center for Professional Development workshops at Floren; LinkedIn groups; alumni roundtables; and partnerships with Tuck students.
Bob Ceplikas ’78, deputy director of athletics,talked about admissions, facilities, and resources. Cep noted that construction on Memorial Field’s West Stands will begin after the football season, and the top facilities priority is a new indoor facility to alleviate pressure on Leverone. Cep also talked about the significant impact of athletic endowments, and the shift in funding sources from 1990–2014. The new “home field” format for the Wearers of the Green was also discussed.
Barry Harwick ’77, director of cross-country, track and field,talked about the importance of developing shared values and enhancing personal relationships on his teams. When he speaks with alumni, Barry noted that they talk most about their relationships with people in the program. Similarly, Ron Rainey, head coach of women’s soccer, spoke about non-skill-based building, such as creating camaraderie and mental training. Ron says he tells his team it’s all about hard work, accountability, and action.