Central Michigan University Athletics
A Broader Perspective
8/13/2019 9:48:00 AM | Fire Up Chats
Michael Alford Fire Up Chat
As some of you may know, this past spring President Davies came to me with a proposition to lead Central Michigan University Advancement on an interim basis.
I knew serving as an Athletic Director required an individual to become an expert in preparing for the unexpected, but I have to admit that this one caught me off guard. Nevertheless, for the president to choose me to provide leadership in this area was a great honor, and I've sought to embrace this new opportunity.
In looking back at these past few months, I have found that this role has given me a chance to gain a broader perspective of the reach and impact of CMU on this great state.
Â
For most AD's, beyond a cursory understanding of the goings-on in other departments, this is where the narrative ends. For a Vice President of Advancement, it's just the beginning!
Since April, I've traveled from downtown Detroit to Beaver Island often accompanied by our president or a development officer from outside of athletics. I've spoken to donors who have never attended a sporting event, but still proudly proclaim "Fire up Chips!"
On many occasions, even if the individual has never given to athletics, it is still one of the first things that comes up in conversation. This simply reinforces the notion of intercollegiate athletics serving as the "front porch" to a university. Our sporting events and student-athletes provide a gateway for prospective students, employees and alumni to discover what CMU has to offer.
This broader charge has also provided me insight into the essential nature of philanthropy. Donors give to CMU because they view higher education and their alma mater as the best conduit for making an impact on the world around them.
Donors to the culinary nutrition center provide students the skills to manage their home economy and combat obesity and foodborne illness. Donors to our college of medicine are supporting the vital mission to provide access to high-quality healthcare in Michigan with an emphasis on rural and medically underserved regions. Donors to the Chippewa Champions Center are supporting a game-changing project, one that's impact will be felt across our entire campus.
While I'll soon be resuming my role as Director of Athletics full-time, I feel privileged to have been able to lead this unit and broaden my understanding of just how great our university is.
While the 2018-19 school year was another great one for CMU Athletics (detailed in our annual report here), there is still so much opportunity in front of us. I look forward to embracing the unexpected and supporting our student-athletes and coaches in their pursuit of greatness in the year ahead.
After all, when athletics wins, Central Michigan University wins.
Fire up Chips!
Â
I knew serving as an Athletic Director required an individual to become an expert in preparing for the unexpected, but I have to admit that this one caught me off guard. Nevertheless, for the president to choose me to provide leadership in this area was a great honor, and I've sought to embrace this new opportunity.
In looking back at these past few months, I have found that this role has given me a chance to gain a broader perspective of the reach and impact of CMU on this great state.
Â
For most AD's, beyond a cursory understanding of the goings-on in other departments, this is where the narrative ends. For a Vice President of Advancement, it's just the beginning!
Since April, I've traveled from downtown Detroit to Beaver Island often accompanied by our president or a development officer from outside of athletics. I've spoken to donors who have never attended a sporting event, but still proudly proclaim "Fire up Chips!"
On many occasions, even if the individual has never given to athletics, it is still one of the first things that comes up in conversation. This simply reinforces the notion of intercollegiate athletics serving as the "front porch" to a university. Our sporting events and student-athletes provide a gateway for prospective students, employees and alumni to discover what CMU has to offer.
This broader charge has also provided me insight into the essential nature of philanthropy. Donors give to CMU because they view higher education and their alma mater as the best conduit for making an impact on the world around them.
Donors to the culinary nutrition center provide students the skills to manage their home economy and combat obesity and foodborne illness. Donors to our college of medicine are supporting the vital mission to provide access to high-quality healthcare in Michigan with an emphasis on rural and medically underserved regions. Donors to the Chippewa Champions Center are supporting a game-changing project, one that's impact will be felt across our entire campus.
While I'll soon be resuming my role as Director of Athletics full-time, I feel privileged to have been able to lead this unit and broaden my understanding of just how great our university is.
While the 2018-19 school year was another great one for CMU Athletics (detailed in our annual report here), there is still so much opportunity in front of us. I look forward to embracing the unexpected and supporting our student-athletes and coaches in their pursuit of greatness in the year ahead.
After all, when athletics wins, Central Michigan University wins.
Fire up Chips!
Â
WBB Broadcast Recap at Valparaiso
Friday, December 19
Cinematic Recap - MBB vs Olivet
Friday, December 19
Gymnastics Locker Room Tour (2025 Update)
Friday, December 19
GameAbove Sports Bowl Introductory News Conference
Friday, December 12