IN THIS ISSUE:
REGULAR FEATURES:
Dear Colleague:
It's been a good year for student-athletes at Saint Louis University.
Our men's soccer team was among the Final Four in the NCAA tournament, and our women's soccer team again posted an impressive record in just its second year of existence. Our head volleyball coach Marilyn Nolen won her 700th career game last September, which ranks her 9th all-time among coaches, and Jill Pizzotti is making strides in rebuilding our women's basketball program. And, as you all know, our men's basketball team made it back to the NCAA tournament after a thrilling season in which the players performed beyond all expectations.
But there is one achievement that stands above the rest.
Two years in a row Saint Louis University has led Conference USA with the highest grade point average among all student-athletes in the conference. I'm more proud of that than I am of any kind of win-loss record.
Our student-athletes, their coaches and the academic support staff should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. Our goal at Saint Louis University is for our athletes to have the best possible experience both academically and athletically. We're constantly striving to do just that.
Under the supervision of Cindy Anzelmo, the academic coordinator for student-athletes, the athletic department offers some of the best academic support services in college athletics. The Billikens' academic support staff gives academic, career and personal counseling; guidance in monitoring the registration and class schedules of student-athletes; supervised and open study tables; access to an Internet-compatible computer lab; and a comprehensive tutorial program.
A Jesuit education emphasizes the development of the whole person -- mind, body and spirit -- and sports is one way to complement that process. Moreover, athletic teams are important in developing a spirit among the students, faculty and staff and especially among alumni, friends, benefactors and corporate leaders. You can't always have a winning season, but it's nice when the community is interested in seeing a local university do well in athletics.
Another important aspect is that a strong athletic program helps build a national reputation and bring prestige to a university. Of course the recognition and reputation are nice, but I'm not just interested in recognition. I'm interested in the prestige that comes when there's good, solid academic strength among the athletes.
It feels good to say that we have this. Win or lose, our student-athletes are a source of pride for all of us.
Lawrence Biondi, SJ
University President