Aug. 19, 2016
o Brett Daniels kicked off the presentation with reviewing the Georgia Tech Athletics Mission Statement and why we exist: “Georgia Tech Athletics inspires and empowers student-athletes to be champions in academics, competition, and life.” It is important that we remember we are all here to support our student-athletes in all of their endeavors.
o Yellow Jacket Celebration Highlight Video
o Michelle Collier (Volleyball) and a few student-athletes gave an update on how their Volleyball trip to Brazil broadened their perspectives, taught them a new culture and showed them skills they can incorporate into this upcoming year.
o Leah Thomas (Nutrition/Total Person Program) filled us in on our spring/summer nutrition program with football and expressed how our new Nutrition Center has positively changed the nutrition program and benefited our student-athletes over the last year. Leah also provided an update on this year’s Total Person Program schedule, including keynote speaker Kyle Maynard to deliver on a theme of overcoming challenges to achieve new heights. Click here to check out Kyle’s video!
o Lee Hendrickson (Human Resources) introduced a new Diversity and Inclusion Series for staff taking place this year. This series was developed for staff growth and to make a real, positive impact on our culture. If you would like to participate in this series, please let Lee know by the end of this week.
o Sam Turner (Player Development) and Neil Versfeld (Swimming & Diving) gave staff an update on a new lifting software program they are using this year. This program will allow Sam to provide workouts to students-athletes anywhere in real time. Additionally, this program will be able to increase the communication and teamwork between the coaches and player development coaches.
o Whitney Waldron (A-T Fund) informed the staff about the upcoming Swarm Week. This wide-reaching campaign was developed to connect with thousands of Georgia Tech alumni on why it is important to support GT Athletics. For more information, please contact Whitney.
o Brad Malone (Digital Media) gave an update on the website redesign and launch. Brad noted all that went into the new design and how it can better assist our fans and staff in recruiting. Any issues or ideas for the website, please contact Brad.
o Markeisha Everett (Culture Committee) gave a brief update to the staff about some upcoming events Culture Committee is hosting or partnering with other departments on.
– Student-Athlete Welcome Back Event (In Partnership with the Total Person Program): Saturday, 8/27 @ 6 p.m. in McCamish; food trucks
– Employee Monthly Breakfasts: Begin in September; hosted by different departments as an opportunity for staff to meet new faces and spend time with each other.
o Bruce Heppler (Golf) and Matthew LaFoy and Chris May (Facilities) gave an update of the new Noonan Golf Practice Facility that has been years in the works. This new facility will be a huge asset to the Golf Program as our student-athletes will no longer have to travel to Alpharetta each day for practice.
o Whitney Burton and Rudy Wilson (Academics) gave a review of the Jumpstart Jackets Program. The first year was a success! It was held on Friday mornings during the summer and taught new GT student-athletes information to help them be successful throughout their freshman and beyond. It will continue next year.
o Bruce Heppler (Golf) thanked each of our departments that touch the lives of our student-athletes and support our athletic programs. Bruce noted that the compassionate and hardworking people of GT Athletics are what make this such a special place for student-athletes, and encouraged us all to keep an “attitude of gratitude” and remain humble and kind.
