Providence College Athletics

Great Accomplishments In 2002 Provide Foundation For The Future

Great Accomplishments In 2002 Provide Foundation For The Future

By Robert G. Driscoll, Jr.

November

January 1st marked my first anniversary at Providence College and the holiday gave me an opportunity to review all that we have accomplished in just 12 short months.

2002 Bird's-eye View
Analysis and planning for the future dominated our department's efforts in 2002. With so much tradition and success on which to build, we examined what we do well, what we could improve, and where we wanted to be long term. The answers to these questions helped us establish the foundation that we will continue to build on in the coming years. But, 2002 wasn't all about laying the foundation; it was also about building on that foundation:

We established a student-centered vision/mission with the goal of competing at conference and national championship levels.

  • Women's hockey won ECAC Championship
  • Women's cross-country finished 6th in the nation
  • Men's cross-country finished 13th in the nation

We developed a strategic plan in line with our vision and began implementing that plan:

  • Established student services function providing access to life education, academic support, and community involvement opportunities
  • Updated strength and conditioning unit with new program and new equipment
  • Created a student-athlete advisory board
  • Implemented coaching/team seminars on "Building a Championship Organization"
  • Updated Alumni Hall environment and several offices to reflect our organizational pride
  • Reorganized department staff and made new hires in support of our vision
  • Developed a staff council focused on quality of life programs for the staff
  • Collaborated with the College's Admissions office to enhance our recruitment system
  • We strengthened our identity with new marks and marketing campaigns.
  • We established our "Friars Forever" capital campaign fundraising plan and determined our key short- and long-term fundraising needs as a BIG EAST competitor.

    Looking Into 2003
    In 2003 we will continue to enhance our student-athletes' experiences and emphasize improvements that help us move closer to our vision, including:

  • Fundraising to support additional scholarships
  • Finalizing plans and fundraising for an artificial intercollegiate/intramural field, a soccer complex, and a new track.
  • Establishing and implementing a priority seating plan for Dunkin Donuts Center. A mailing on this will go out in the next month and we will use a town meeting forum to discuss why and how we are asking season ticket holders to partner with us.
  • Improving the game day experience at Dunkin Donuts Center.

    In closing, I believe that our work in 2002 positions Providence College athletics well for the coming years. I would be remiss if I did not thank the athletic department staff for all their hard work and willingness to be open-minded during a period of change. Thank you to the entire College community for welcoming me and, in particular, to the College's senior administration for their support of athletics and constructive dialogue. I am also grateful to all the loyal alumni and friends behind Providence athletics.

    Go Friars!

    If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please click here to e-mail Athletic Director Bob Driscoll.