SUPPORT THE RED AND WHITE INITIATIVEI spent a significant amount of time this past summer reflecting on the current state of Dragon Athletics and planning for the future. Mixed in were golf tournaments, summer camps, and several events that provided the opportunity to spend time with many Dragon athletic alumni which provided important perspectives on the future.
As I worked to outline a ten year plan for the Dragons, I made a strategic decision that impacts every facet of the athletic department. The decision was identifying that the catalyst for establishing Dragon Athletics as one of the premier athletic departments in NCAA Division II is engaging our Dragon athletic alums.
Facilities have been improved, scholarships increased, and coaches have been added to reach a baseline standard of competitiveness. Now, I believe that we will develop our true competitive advantage by engaging our greatest resource…the Dragon family.
Many of you will equate that with increased financial giving by athletic alumni. While giving is certainly a component, our vision is so much more than increasing financial gifts. It includes increasing networking between former and current alums, better recognizing accomplishments of our alums and using their talents to help current student-athletes grow and transform into our next generation of leaders. Most importantly, we are going to continue to develop a welcoming environment and atmosphere that former, current and future Dragons can grow in and be proud to be a part of it.
In a nutshell that is what the Red and White Initiative is. Over the next ten years it will grow and evolve and take many different forms. What you need to know is any time you hear Red and White, it is an effort to connect you with the Dragon Family.
It is a Great Day to be a Dragon!
Doug
