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Craig Angelos

FAU Athetic Director

Thank You from

Family Central

The New Year begins

BUSY DAY!

NEW YEAR, BIRTHDAY, FAU ATHLETICS

It took President Bruce a couple of tries on the bell to get the feel of really whacking it, but the first meeting of the new Rotary year started almost on time and was well-attended by members and several guests. Among them were Paula Tier, a resident of Parkland and an officer with Northern Trust Bank, and Evelyn Dovolis, Director of Sales and Marketing for TPC. Also present were two of Tom Pratt’s progeny, Jonathan and Scott, who are headed to high school in the fall and reported that they are very pleased to have survived middle school.

PP Drew handled happy dollars for an absent Al, and seemed to enjoy his new status. Barbara Weinstein presented a thank-you plaque to the club from Family Central in recognition of our recent donation, and then presented a $100 donation to The Rotary Foundation in Harvey Adelson’s name in recognition of his un-named birthday event.

Our guest speaker, procured and introduced by his friend Randy Godard, was Craig W. Angelos, Athletic Director at Florida Atlantic University. Craig gave a great talk and enlightened us on the “business” of college athletics. Because state and federal monies do not go towards the athletic programs, pursuit of private funding takes center stage. Student athletes are now held to a higher academic standard than the general student population, in order to maintain their playing eligibility. Coaches are also rated on their players’ Academic Progress Rates. Craig noted that, while football and athletics are not the most important part of a school, as visibility of an athletic program rises so does the visibility of the university.

FAU is a relatively young school, with a young football program. Completion of a $65MM stadium is slated for 2010, as the school moves from a commuter school image toward a more traditional campus with increased dormitory space and on-campus activities. Per Craig Angelos, keep an eye on FAU!