Feb. 27, 2008

Press release courtesy of the NACWAA

 

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) will honor six deserving 2008 Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award recipients, announced Feb. 13. These very special women have each provided outstanding leadership and commitment to colleagues and student-athletes in intercollegiate athletics; they include Lori Hays (Boise State University), Michelle Roppeau (University of California, Davis), Cindi Nagai (University of Denver), Ann Martin (Regis University), Erin Barney (Rutgers University Camden) and Staci Schottman (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

"NACWAA and JOSTENS are proud to recognize these deserving individuals for their work and dedication to their intercollegiate athletic departments and conferences with the Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award," said Jennifer Alley, Executive Director of NACWAA.

Lori Hays, Assistant Athletic Director for Operations at Boise State University, is the award recipient in the Bowl Subdivision.  "Hays' commitment to mentoring young men and women whom aspire to an intercollegiate athletics career along with going out of her way to help students and coaches make her deserving of this honor," stated Darlene Bailey, Associate Commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference.

Michelle Roppeau, Director of Athletic Academic Advising at the University of California, Davis, is the honoree for the Championship Subdivision.  "Roppeau goes above and beyond the duties of her job in order to enhance the academic lives of all student athletes by taking classes to help her work with physically and mentally disabled students, non-English speaking and hearing impaired students" stated Pam Gill-Fisher, Sr. Associate Athletic Director/Supervisor of PE, Emerita at the University of California, Davis.

Cindi Nagai, Premium Seating Account Executive at the University of Denver, is the award recipient for the Division I category.  As Peg Bradley-Doppes, Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations at the University of Denver states, "Nagai's dedication, enthusiasm and personal attention to matters is a tribute to the success of the University of Denver's Gold Club.  She is fully committed to building those relationships and that makes her deserving of this award."

Ann Martin, Assistant Athletic Director at Regis University, receives the award for the Division II category.  According to Barbara Schroeder, Director of Athletics at Regis University, "Martin's constant enthusiasm and love for her job, her commitment to the staff, department and community, and her involvement on conference and national committees make her a worthy award recipient."

Erin Barney, Assistant Director of Athletics at Rutgers University Camden, is the award recipient for the Division III category. "Barney has a strong, passionate commitment to their athletic program," stated Jeffrey L. Dean, Director of Athletics at Rutgers University Camden.  "She is a strong advocate for student athletes and extremely supportive with her open door policy, making her a prime candidate." 

Staci Schottman, Director of Public Relations & Communication at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, is the honoree in the Conference/Organization category.  According to Linda Pinsent, Marketing Intern at the NAIA, Schottman is deserving of this award because of "her devotion to the NAIA's mission of promoting character-driven athletics as well as her dedication to help mentor others around her even if this means putting in extra hours." 

The Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award is an award that is presented annually to recognize athletics administrators who are committed to providing high level service, guidance and inspiration to colleagues within intercollegiate athletics.  Nominees include administrators below the senior ranking level that may times work behind the scenes in intercollegiate athletics departments, conference offices and/or organizations and who provide outstanding service and dedication in making a difference above and beyond the call of duty every day. 

Judith M. Sweet, former President of NACWAA, served as Director of Athletics at the University of California at San Diego for 24 years where she mentored many young men and women into careers as athletics administrators.  She served as the first female President of the NCAA in 1991. After retiring from UC San Diego, she was selected as the first female Senior Vice President and Senior Woman Administrator at the NCAA.  Sweet has received many awards and honors in her career for her commitment and dedication to mentoring, education, professional development and leadership in intercollegiate athletics.

About National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators

Founded in 1979, National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA; www.nacwaa.org) is the only nationally recognized collegiate professional membership organization whose mission is to enhance and promote opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics administration.  NACWAA with nearly 2,000 members promotes the growth, leadership, and success of women as athletics administrators, conference commissioners, professional staff, coaches and student-athletes.  It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to providing education al programs, professional and personal development opportunities, information exchange, and support services to enhance collegiate athletics.