Building up CMU through facilities, new diversity program

Feb. 19, 2018

As I've traveled this year on behalf of the Chippewas, I've often received some version of the question, "How is your family adjusting to the Michigan winter?"

My answer? We think the snow is beautiful, the sun shines and the energy around this great university right now is too hot to focus on a couple of chilly days!

Likely you've all heard the exciting news that we've hired Populous to design the Chippewa Champions Center and seen some of the conceptual renderings. While these images merely serve as a starting point, what I hope they portray is that this often-discussed project is moving aggressively toward becoming a reality.

Already we have begun the process of interacting with Chippewa Athletic Fund members as well as alumni and friends around the country to ask for their support and to hear their vision for this project. To meet our goal of constructing a transformational building that services all of CMU and honors our rich history, we must develop a shared vision among our campus and athletics communities.

One common thread that's come up in conversations we've had to this point is the Champions Center needs to set the bar for the MAC. Make no mistake, I am familiar with projects Populous has worked on in the past and am confident that they will ultimately deliver nothing short of a game-changer for CMU. While we work diligently to put a shovel in the ground on the north end of Kelly/Shorts Stadium, our coaches and student-athletes are putting the final touches on an exciting winter sports season at McGuirk Arena.

I constantly brag about the quality of student-athlete that we have at CMU. They are true scholars and represent the maroon and gold so well in this community. That said, we have some pretty talented competitors as well! I sincerely hope you'll join me in McGuirk Arena as our basketball teams, our wrestlers and gymnasts make the final push in their respective seasons.

I'd like to end on a unique point of pride for our department.

One of my priorities in coming to CMU was developing an athletics diversity graduate assistantship program. The purpose of this program was to increase diversity in job candidates in athletics administration by exposing them to multiple areas in our department.

I am proud to announce that we've selected our first recipient from an impressive national pool of applicants -- former basketball standout Jewel Cotton. Jewel's passion for this profession and for CMU, combined with her work ethic will undoubtedly set her on a path for success in the business while bringing tremendous value to our department. Congratulations, Jewel!

It's a great time to be a Chippewa, and our team is eager to celebrate with you all of the great things in store for CMU.

Fire up Chips!

Michael Alford Signature