Amy Folan's Maroon & Gold Memo: Embracing Our Core Values

Raising awareness and giving back
At CMU Athletics, giving back and raising awareness is what we do. And this fall has been no exception.

Our Athletics team prioritizes mental health care for our student-athletes all year, with extra emphasis during Mental Health Awareness Week in early October. Through a series of programs and social media posts, we reiterated the importance of recognizing mental health concerns, asking for help, supporting others, and using the support system we have in place.

Autism awareness also was in the spotlight this past week through a campaign developed by our volleyball team. Using their social media platform, the team leveraged video to educate their fans about autism and neurodiversity and had an awareness event during its Oct. 21 match. The game was sensory-friendly, with ear protection available and limited buzzers and whistles. Sensory rooms were an option for fans who needed to take breaks during the game.

October also is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as recognized during a field hockey game and to be spotlighted at our volleyball game at 4 p.m. on Saturday against Miami Ohio in McGuirk Arena.

Thank you to all our student-athletes, coaches and staff who regularly showcase our core values of caring, giving back and inclusion.

A Fired Up Fall
Last month's Maroon and Gold memo highlighted how our fans have been showing up to support CMU Football. Soon after that, 28,323 of you attended the Sept. 30 game against Eastern Michigan. It was our 10th largest crowd in Kelly/Shorts Stadium history and our largest since 2016.

Through the first three home games, we are averaging 21,170 — a 34% increase over last and the 8th largest 2022 to 2023 year-over-year increase in home football attendance of all Division I programs in the country. Fire Up Chips!

Speaking of fans, thank you to all our alumni who returned to Mount Pleasant Oct. 14 to celebrate CMU's 99th Homecoming! We loved celebrating with all of you and having Athletics supporters Bill and Carla Kanine as homecoming grand marshals. I look forward to welcoming all of you to the 100th Homecoming celebration in 2024!

Perhaps one of the most unique experiences we've had an opportunity to help spearhead was co-hosting a panel discussion open to everyone on campus called "Leading Transformative Change." The Sept. 29 event featured CMU alumni and military flag officers Major Gen. Darren Werner, Lieutenant Gen. Gwen Bingham and retired Major Gen. Greg J. Vadnais. The conversation explored the skills and styles of leaders who must adapt quickly to rapidly changing conditions.

We then recognized these alums — who are three of more than 150 U.S. generals and admirals with degrees from CMU — on the field at our Sept. 30 football game.

Leadership is critical to us here at CMU, and these flag officers delivered an incredible view of their experiences to our university community.

Transitioning from fall to winter
Men's and women's basketball are in full swing with exhibition games and will host their home openers on Nov. 11 and 14, respectively. Wrestling opens its season at home on Nov. 9 as it hosts Oklahoma in McGuirk Arena, gymnastics is gearing up to kick off its season in early December and indoor track and field just after the first of the year. I look forward to seeing you at these events, supporting our student-athletes.

And finally, please join me in cheering for our men's and women's cross country teams at MAC Championships this weekend at Bowling Green.

Fire Up Chips!

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