Central Michigan University Athletics
Thank You Chippewas
8/25/2020 11:51:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
Michael Alford' Final Fire Up Chat
Just the other day I had the opportunity to tour the Chippewa Champions Center construction site with some great friends of CMU Athletics.
As I pointed out benefit after benefit that our student-athletes would enjoy in this nearly 55,000-square-foot facility, I heard the comment that this facility would be a great legacy to my time at Central Michigan.
I certainly took this as a compliment, but I quickly noted that this project, like so many other great accomplishments spanning my three years in Mount Pleasant, was the result of a collective effort and a shared vision from our students, staff and, of course, our generous donors.
While projects like the Champions Center are exciting, at the end of the day they are nothing without the people who inhabit them.
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We are so grateful to all who opened their hearts and welcomed us as part of the CMU family. The midwestern generosity of spirit was on full display in so many of our interactions as strangers soon became lifelong friends.
The Mount Pleasant community has left a stamp on our hearts.
I was also blessed to interact with many across our university community. I continue to be impressed by the commitment of faculty and staff from all corners of campus to work as one CMU for the betterment of our students.
A unified sense of purpose and shared vision comes not only from having great people but also great leadership. I want to specifically thank two men who were instrumental to my growth as a person and as a professional.
First, President Emeritus Dr. George Ross, who believed in my vision for CMU Athletics and gave me the opportunity to lead this program. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Ross for his guidance and friendship.
Second, I want to thank our current President Dr. Bob Davies for his support, friendship and belief in the student-athlete experience. While our university has faced some unprecedented challenges since Dr. Davies' arrival, I have always felt confident knowing that he was the man leading the charge. His coolness under fire and positive energy are exactly what CMU needs right now and Laura and I will always cherish our friendship with Dr. Davies and Cindy.
To our fans and donors, know that I cannot thank you enough for helping us redefine success at CMU. The record-breaking fundraising years we've enjoyed are because of your generosity, belief in our vision, and love of the Chippewas. Know that you have made a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes for generations to come.
To our coaches, thank you for always putting the betterment of our student-athletes first in every decision we make and for believing in our comprehensive vision of excellence. Your leadership is why CMU can accomplish great things on the field and in the classroom. I could not imagine a better assembled coaching staff in college athletics.
To the departmental staff, I want to thank you for your belief in all the processes that were established in the department. It takes a group of special people willing to do the little things every day knowing the results are not immediate that lead to success. Your care for the betterment of our student-athletes is second to none and I appreciate you always putting them first in everything we do.
Finally, I want to thank our student-athletes. You are the reason why so many of us are privileged to work in college athletics.
From day one it was my mission to build authentic relationships with as many of you as I could. Watching our young men and women realize their dreams on the field and in the classroom is what makes coming into work every day worthwhile. I will always cherish the life-lesson talks in my office and the fist bumps, smiles and hugs after great accomplishments. There is nothing that made me happier than to see you succeed on the field and in the classroom. I sincerely hope that the lasting impact of my tenure at CMU is that student-athlete success and authentic environment remains as our department's mission.
I know the future for college athletics seems uncertain and perhaps even unnerving to some. Please know that this moment is temporary, and this university will continue to prosper thanks to its leadership and the indomitable spirit of the CMU faithful.
Fire up Forever!
Â
As I pointed out benefit after benefit that our student-athletes would enjoy in this nearly 55,000-square-foot facility, I heard the comment that this facility would be a great legacy to my time at Central Michigan.
I certainly took this as a compliment, but I quickly noted that this project, like so many other great accomplishments spanning my three years in Mount Pleasant, was the result of a collective effort and a shared vision from our students, staff and, of course, our generous donors.
While projects like the Champions Center are exciting, at the end of the day they are nothing without the people who inhabit them.
Â
We are so grateful to all who opened their hearts and welcomed us as part of the CMU family. The midwestern generosity of spirit was on full display in so many of our interactions as strangers soon became lifelong friends.
The Mount Pleasant community has left a stamp on our hearts.
I was also blessed to interact with many across our university community. I continue to be impressed by the commitment of faculty and staff from all corners of campus to work as one CMU for the betterment of our students.
A unified sense of purpose and shared vision comes not only from having great people but also great leadership. I want to specifically thank two men who were instrumental to my growth as a person and as a professional.
First, President Emeritus Dr. George Ross, who believed in my vision for CMU Athletics and gave me the opportunity to lead this program. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Ross for his guidance and friendship.
Second, I want to thank our current President Dr. Bob Davies for his support, friendship and belief in the student-athlete experience. While our university has faced some unprecedented challenges since Dr. Davies' arrival, I have always felt confident knowing that he was the man leading the charge. His coolness under fire and positive energy are exactly what CMU needs right now and Laura and I will always cherish our friendship with Dr. Davies and Cindy.
To our fans and donors, know that I cannot thank you enough for helping us redefine success at CMU. The record-breaking fundraising years we've enjoyed are because of your generosity, belief in our vision, and love of the Chippewas. Know that you have made a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes for generations to come.
To our coaches, thank you for always putting the betterment of our student-athletes first in every decision we make and for believing in our comprehensive vision of excellence. Your leadership is why CMU can accomplish great things on the field and in the classroom. I could not imagine a better assembled coaching staff in college athletics.
To the departmental staff, I want to thank you for your belief in all the processes that were established in the department. It takes a group of special people willing to do the little things every day knowing the results are not immediate that lead to success. Your care for the betterment of our student-athletes is second to none and I appreciate you always putting them first in everything we do.
Finally, I want to thank our student-athletes. You are the reason why so many of us are privileged to work in college athletics.
From day one it was my mission to build authentic relationships with as many of you as I could. Watching our young men and women realize their dreams on the field and in the classroom is what makes coming into work every day worthwhile. I will always cherish the life-lesson talks in my office and the fist bumps, smiles and hugs after great accomplishments. There is nothing that made me happier than to see you succeed on the field and in the classroom. I sincerely hope that the lasting impact of my tenure at CMU is that student-athlete success and authentic environment remains as our department's mission.
I know the future for college athletics seems uncertain and perhaps even unnerving to some. Please know that this moment is temporary, and this university will continue to prosper thanks to its leadership and the indomitable spirit of the CMU faithful.
Fire up Forever!
Â
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