The Robert Morris University Sport Management Newsletter Summer 2009

FROM THE BENCH Greetings to all Robert Morris University Sport Management students, alumni and friends. It’s been a busy year and below are a few highlights and thoughts about what has been going on at the university, with Sport Management, as well as the current economic status in the industry.

• This past spring the RMU School of Business achieved initial accreditation by AACSB International– The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, joining only 5 percent of business schools worldwide to carry this prestigious recognition. AACSB International is an association of educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations recognized worldwide as the premier accrediting agency of collegiate business schools and accounting programs. This highly coveted recognition represents the peak standard of achievement for business schools; only 560 business schools in the world have achieved AACSB accreditation, and only one-third of business schools in the . With Sport Management being housed in the School of Business, this accreditation establishes greater credibility for the education and professional preparation of our students.

• With the leadership of Harry Leckemby (SM BSBA 1987), there is now a RMU Sport Management Alumni group on Linkedin. Currently, approximately 100 alumni, faculty and friends of the program have joined this group. This is a great tool for networking, communicating as well as staying in touch with the university. If you use Linkedin and would like to join the network contact Harry at [email protected] or myself at [email protected] .

• The economy has seriously impacted the sports and entertainment industry with the loss of sponsorship dollars and a decline in ticket and suite renewal sales –resulting in drastic budget cutbacks along with the layoffs of outstanding sport industry professionals. A key factor is the change of the activity and relationships with local businesses as well as national and international corporations. Although the economy is certain to rebound, do not count on the return of the corporate culture and spending practices of the 1990s and early 2000s. Advice from our alumni and leading industry professionals in managing and planning for these tough times: focus on your sales and customer service skills as well as creating value and developing new business models and revenue streams. Last –but most important –relationships matter, with your fans/clients, sponsors, vendors, employees and colleagues.

In closing, we need your help to write the newsletter, to continue building an alumni network and supporting the RMU Student Sport Management Conference as well as assisting students with career development and job placement. Remember to check the sport management website at www.rmu.edu/sportmanagement .

Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 412-397-3416 to learn how to get involved and find out how we might be able to help you. Also, please let other RMU Sport Management alumni know about us and have them contact us with their updates. Thank you for your support and we look to hearing from you.

David Synowka, Ph.D. School of Business Director of Sport Management FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

SPORT MANAGEMENT SCORE BOARD THE FRONT OFFICE Sport Management Advisory Board The 6th annual RMU Student Sport Management Conference is scheduled for Mark Acerni – General Manager and Chief Operating Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in the Sewall Center on the Moon Township campus. If you are Officer, The Club at Spanish Peaks interested in participating in or supporting the conference, please contact David George Babish M1985 – Consultant, YMCA of the USA Synowka at 412-397-3416 or [email protected] . Murray Cohn 1988 – Member of RMU Sport Management HOF, Senior Director Team Ticket Sales, National Association Kevin Colbert 197 9 – Member of RMU Sport Management The 4th annual Susan Hofacre 5 K walk/run will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 HOF, Director of Football Operations, Steelers on the RMU Moon Township campus. The proceeds from this event support the Michael R. Doherty – Chair , RMU Sport Management Susan Hofacre Endowed Sport Management Fund. If you are interested in Advisory Board; Principal , Sherpa Resources, LLC participating in or supporting the race, please contact John Clark at 412-397-3426 Vic Gregovits 1986 – Member of RMU Sport Management or [email protected] . HOF; Senior VP for Marketing and Sales , Cleveland Indians Trevor Edwards – Director of Business Please send your nominations and supporting materials for the RMU Sport Development and Sales, SmartButton Management Hall of Fame before June 23, 2010 . The Hall of Fame criteria and Jim Lachima – President, JFL Resources categories are listed below: Tom Smith 1995 – Vice President, Director of Sales, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1 Distinguished alumni John Somsky – Member of RMU Sport Management HOF, 2 Sport management industry leader who has had a profound impact Independent Management Consulting Professional, on sport management education at RMU William Sutton, Ed.D. – Member of RMU Sport Management HOF; Bill Sutton & Associates, 3 Professional external supporter who created a valued impact on the program Strategic Marketing and Revenue Enhancement 4 Faculty/University member contributor of note Sport Management Alumni Group

Lyle Abbot (MBA, 1998) – Manger-Wendy Kane and The nominees are reviewed and voted on by the sport management advisory Associates, board. The inductees are presented a Sport Management Hall of Fame ring at Harry Leckemby Jr. 1987 – Director, Sports and Athletic the RMU Sport Management Student Conference. Sales at Bookmygroup. Bill Levy 1994 – Assistant General Manager, Odessa Jackalopes Brian Panucci ’05 – Client Retention and Services, LSI, RMU S PORT MANAGEMENT HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM David Perricone 1990 – Senior Director of Merchandise,,New Jersey Devils Nominee Information Daniel Philipp 1995 – Global Marketing Manager, TKO Sports Group USA Limited Name RMU Grad Year Bryan Ross M’04 – Director of Ticket Sales, New Orleans Hornets Title, Employer Jaima Schiffer ’05 – New Stadium Sales Consultant, Address Dallas Cowboys Steve Swetoha ’86 – Executive Director ACC Football City State ZIP Championship Phone E-mail Keith Weldon ’03 – Corporate Sales Account Executive, Baltimore Ravens Nominated by Sport Management Faculty Phone E-mail Dave Synowka, Ph.D. Director and Professor of Sport Management Reason for Nomination [email protected] • 412-397-3416 Artemisia Apostolopoulou, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Sport Management [email protected] • 412-397-4264 Scott Branvold, Ed.D. Professor of Sport Management [email protected] • 412-397-2218 John Clark, Ph.D. Please return this form and supporting materials before June 23, 2010 to Associate Professor of Sport Management David Synowka, Robert Morris University, 6001 University Boulevard, Moon Township, PA, 15108 [email protected] • 412-397-3426

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ALUMNI CORNER Chris King (BSBA Sport Management-1994)

Chris King is the associate athletic director for sports administration at the University of Alabama. His primary duties include the overall leadership, administration and assessment of the men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track & field, men's and women's swimming and diving, women's rowing, and women's soccer programs. This includes the supervision of 18 coaches and four full-time administrative support staff with a combined budget of more than $1.5 million for these sports. Chris started his UA career in 2002 as the associate director of athletics for compliance. In 2008 he was named to the National Center for Responsible Gaming Task Force on College Gambling coordinated through the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. His passion for working in athletics is creating a quality experience for the student athletes along with the professional development of his staff and coaches.

Chris King Chris’s recipe for success: pay attention to the details and create a positive environment

Prior to his job with the Crimson Tide, Chris served as the assistant athletic director for compliance at University of Central Florida and was responsible for the administration of the athletics compliance program and the student wellness programs within the Department of Athletics. In starting out his career, he was a graduate assistant in the Department of Athletics at Campbell University and earned his master’s degree in educational leadership and supervision in 1997. Chris and his wife Alicia are expecting their first child in October.

Chris got his introduction to the world of intercollegiate athletics by doing an internship with the Robert Morris University Department of Athletics under the mentorship of Mr. Tom Olson, the director of compliance at that time. He credits his professional success to the advisement and encouragement of the RMU Sport Management faculty and athletic staff that included Bob McBee, Susan Hofacre and David Synowka.

His advice to RMU Sport Management students: the best way learn is to actually gaining hands-on experience as well as building and maintaining relationships. Finally, one should always maintain a strong sense of ethics and values in your personal and professional affairs.

PHOTO ALBUM 5th Sport Management Student Conference

2008 Sport Management Hall of Fame Back to the ‘80s

Susan Hofacre Kathy Guy, Steve Sweotha, Dave Synowka, Vic Gregovits, Harry Leckemby, Murray Cohn

Mark Acerni John Somsky

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FROM THE INDUSTRY

For years now, faculty from Robert Morris University have particpated in one of the best industry conferences in North America, the National Sports Forum (NSF). Top sports team and property marketing, advertising, sales and sponsorship executives from more than 100 professional and collegiate teams, auto racing and horse racing organizations meet each year in late January and early February to discuss current and relevant issues. Next year's meeting is scheduled for Baltimore, Feb. 1-3, 2010. (For more information on the conference, stop by their web site at: www.sports-forum.com.)

In addition, the NSF also offers up a great one-page free e-zine. Called "Selling It...", it's published bi-weekly with each issue featuring an existing sales, sponsorship, advertising and/or fan entertainment idea currently underway in the sports industry. You can access the latest issue at sports-forum.com/sellingit/currentissue. (And if you want to automatically receive upcoming issues delivered straight to your in-box you have only to click on the "Subscribe" button and enter your contact information.)

ON THE MOVE

Melanie Boulanger (BSBA 2009) - Marketing and Andrew Dushenksky (BSBA 2006) Sales Associate, Peter Kullman (MBA- MS-SM) 1998) Senior Vice Group Sales Intern SMG, Mellon Arena DC Sports, Washington D.C. President, Business Development, Oktane Media, Ashley Ehrenberg (BSBA 2009) - Inside Sales Jacqui Gray (BA 2005) Marketing & Promotions, Executive TKO Sports Group, Houston, TX MLB Network, New York City Mike Clough, (BSBA 1997) Director of Ticket Sales Jillian Howley, (BSBA2009) Graduate Assistant - Lauren (Delahanty) Zemcik (BSBA 2005) Student Life and Service, Twins Coach, Mercyhurst College, Erie PA Specialist at Community College of Allegheny County Garth Ericson (BSBA 1997) Director of Recreation, Michael Jandrasits (BSBA 2009) Special Projects Robert Zemicik (BSBA 2005) Supply Chain York, Pa. Intern, (AD & Executive Associate Executive AD) Management, Dick’s Sporting Goods Jeff Lundberg (MBA-MS 1997) Communications, Department of Athletics, University of Pittsburgh Donato Bucci (BSBA 2004) Student, University of EDS media and entertainment consulting practice, Jarrod Ranone (BSBA 2009) Sales Associate, Miami Law School (Fla.) Atlanta Columbus Blue Jackets Liz Smith (MS 2004) Assistant Sports Information Heath Senour, (BSBA 1996) Associate Director of Matthew Hastings (BSBA 2009) Sales Associate, Director, Department of Athletics, Gonzaga Athletics for Compliance, University of Minnesota Seattle Storm University, Oregon Daniel Philip (BSBA 1995), Global Marketing Jason Vrable (MS EdL SM 2009) Offensive Team Michael Apple (BSBA 2003) Professional Soccer Manager for TKO Sports Group, Houston Quality Control Assistant Coach, Syracuse , N.Y. Player, Detroit Ignition Jim Popovich, (BSBA 1995) promoted to Manager, Heather Mulvaney (BSBA 2008) Account Executive, Mike Donnadio (MBA 2003) Database Specialist, New Business Development, Ticket Services, San Francisco 49ers Panther Club Department of Athletics, University of Rebecca Regrut (BSBA 1995) Account Executive, Haley Volzer (BSBA 2008) promoted to Pittsburgh New Country 105.1FM KNCI, Sacramento, Calif. Coordinator, Advertising, Pittsburgh Pirates Ed Bujalski (BSBA 2002) Individual Ticket Tom Smith (BSBA 1995) promoted to Vice President Peter J. Patsilevas Jr. (BSBA 2008) Inside Sales Coordinator, Pittsburgh Pirates and Director of Sales, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Representative, Pittsburgh Pirates Scott Koskoski (MS 2001) Associate Athletics Farmington, Pa. Merrett Ballou (BSBA 2007) PLB Sports, Pittsburgh Director for Development, Temple University, Bill Levy (BSBA, 1994) – promoted to assistant Philadelphia, Pa. General Manager, Odessa Jackalopes, Dan Bauer (BSBA 2007) Account Executive, ISP Odessa, Texas Sports, Pittsburgh Jeff Yukevich (MS 2001) Owner, Athletic Research Consultants, Pittsburgh Shannon (Eggleston) Gorbatoff (BSBA 1992) Cori Bingham, (BSBA 2007) Marketing and PR at Account Executive with Corporate Health Partners, Sports Legends Group LLC, Pittsburgh Jen Giorno (BSBA 2000), Basketball Director, Bladium Sports and Fitness Club, Alameda, Calif. Nashville Alyssa Blumling (BSBA 2006) - promoted to Israel Negron (BSBA 1992) Director of Community Assistant Marketing Manager, SMG Mellon Arena Diana Vitantonio (BSBA 2000) Co-owner-Zuda Yoga, Folsom, Calif. Relations, Washington Nationals Club Armand Buzzelli (MBA 2006), Assistant Director of Rob Ondo (BSBA 1991) Director of Business Student Activities-Robert Morris University Jeff Garner (BSBA 1999) Vice President, Greensburg Sports Group, State College, Pa. Development and Marketing, Shorewalk Vacation Christine Koester (MS 2006) Assistant Director of Villas Sarasota, Fla. Matt Monroe (BSBA, 1999) Assistant Athletic Compliance, Department of Athletics University of Linda (Wiesen) Trocano (BSBA 1991, MBA 1998) Jacksonville, FL Director of Ticketing, Department of Athletics, University of Maryland promoted to Vice President Account Services, Next Stephen Toutis (BSBA 2007) Sales Account Marketing, Atlanta Executive, ESPN Radio Greg McBride (BSBA 1999), Account Executive, Cleveland Indians Jim Ballweg (BSBA 1987), promoted to Vice Michael Bomasuto (BSBA 2006) Teen Program President of Sales, San Diego Padres Director, Boys and Girls Clubs, Syracuse, N.Y. Lyle Abbot (MBA 1998) Manager, Wendy Kane & Associates (Event Operations & Logistics for CTV Harry Leckemby Jr. (BSBA 1987) Director of Sports 2010 Olympic Celebrations) and Athletic Sales, Bookmygroup

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RMU S PORT MANAGEMENT UPDATE

In Oct. 2008, Vic Gregovits , senior vice president Anthem; Mike Rice, RMU men's head basketball April 2009 - The inaugural David Synowka Sport of marketing and sales, Cleveland Indians, coach, who provided the opening and Management Endowed Scholarship was served as the conference keynote speaker for the welcoming remarks for the competition; awarded to Luke Mohamed , a junior from fifth annual Student Sport Management broadcaster Chris Shovlin , the voice of the Tarentum, Pa., who is a dual sport management Conference. A highlight was the induction in the Colonials, who was the master of ceremonies; and accounting major. Sport Management Sport Management Hall of Fame of the late and the RMU Women's Team, which alumni David Perricone (New Jersey Devils) Susan Hofacre, the former RMU department assisted in the medals ceremony along with Dan Philipp (TKO Sports Group USA Limited) head for Sport Management and Director of RMU Sport Management alumnus Kathy Guy and Steve Swetoha (ACC Football Athletics, along with Mark Acerni, and John (1986) from the Special Olympics. Championship) served on the organizing Somsky. Over 150 faculty and students Also a special thanks to all of the other students committee to establish the scholarship criteria representing 10 colleges and universities from the School of Business, the School of as well as the selection for this year’s winner. attended the conference, with more than 25 sport Education and Social Sciences and the School of management professionals and RMU sport Nursing and Health Sciences who also assisted May 2009- Michael Jandrasits , a senior from management alumni represented. The purpose as volunteers with this event. Virginia, was recognized for his academic of the conference is to provide students the achievements as well as his involvement to opportunity to learn about sport management The 2009 Western Pennsylvania Special the university and industry by being selected careers and to network with industry Olympics Bowling Competition was featured as one of the 2008-09 RMU Presidential professionals. prominently in the Sunday edition of the Award Recipients. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune- In November 2008, John Clark and Scott Review as well as on several television news Faculty Updates John Clark and wife Kirsten Branvold led a group of sport management casts. Robert Morris University and the Sport welcomed their son, Torben , to the world in students in organizing, selling and implementing Management students were mentioned January 2009. Congratulations to the Clarks on the third annual Susan Hofacre 5K Run/Walk. prominently in that coverage. the new addition to their family! The students increased race registrations more than 125 percent from the previous year and World Championships For the first time in 30 In December 2008, David Synowka and the increased sponsorship support by more than 130 years Pittsburgh can again be called the City of RMU Club Baseball Team made an appearance percent. The proceeds from this event support Champions with the Steelers’ thrilling victory on the History Channel show “Modern Marvels” the Susan Hofacre Endowed Sport Management against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl with the episode, “Night.” With the RMU club Fund. XLIII as well as the Penguins winning the baseball team playing in the background at PNC in an exciting best of seven series Park, Synowka provided commentary about the In March 2009, John Clark (Faculty Advisor) and against the . Congratulations role of lighting in baseball and how it expanded the following Sport Management students and to SM RMU alums Kevin Colbert (director of the marketing and revenue opportunities. alumni served as Committee Chairs/Directors football operations) and Mike Marchinsky for the 2009 Western Pennsylvania Special (youth football/marketing manager), Pittsburgh Scott Branvold and wife Lynda Davidson Olympics Bowling Competition. This is the Steelers, and Nicole Kyslinger , sales associate, (Dean, RMU School of Nursing and Health seventh consecutive year that Robert Morris . Also kudos to Rob Brakel , Sciences) became grandparents for the first time University Sport Management Students have video coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. when son Christopher (BSBA 2005) and wife coordinated this event that features over 350 Kristin (BS/MS 2006) welcomed their daughter athletes at three venues (Mount Lebanon Bowling SM Alum named to RMU Board of Trustees Vic Mazie Elizabeth in July 2009. Lanes, Noble Manor Lanes and Canevin High Gregovits (BSBA 1986), senior vice president for Congratulations to Artemisia Apostolopoulou , School.) The following RMU students and alumni marketing and sales, Cleveland Indians, RMU for her promotion to Associate Professor of participated: Sport Management Advisory Board member and RMU Sport Management Hall of Fame was Sport Management. Additionally Artemisia has served the North American Society for Sport Jessica Thompson , Event Director named to the RMU Board of Trustees this Management (NASSM) as the NASSM archivist Michael Jandrasit , Competition Director spring. since the fall of 2005 and for 2008-2009 served as Caleb Shreve , Volunteer Chairperson the chair of the NASSM Nominating Committee. Josh Keil , Ceremonies Chairperson SM Student Recognition Spring 2009- The Jaime Baker , Olympic Village Chairperson following SM majors and minors have been Amanda Musser , Public Relations Chairperson recognized by being named to Who’s Who in Jenn Phillips , Awards Chairperson American Colleges and Universities for 2009: Meghan Flick , Olympic Village Chairperson Melanie Boulanger, Thomas Brown, Jenna Baldigowski , Registration Chairperson Ashley Ehrenberg, Michael Jandrasits, Alex DiMichele , Food Chairperson John Kalichuk, Michael Moore, Jarrod Ranone Danielle White (Alum ‘06), Alumni Assistant and Daniel Russell. Justin Powers (Alum ‘08), Competition Director April 2009- Adam Bowman , a junior from Export, Pa., was recognized as the 2008–09 Also special thanks and kudos are extended to Outstanding Sport Management Student. This Artemisia Apostolopoulou; Scott Branvold; scholarship award is based on academic David Synowka as well as John Tucci, RMU achievements as well as involvement in the Maintenance Department, who has opened the university and industry. games since 2003 by singing the National Scott Branvold; Sport Management senior Michael Jandrasits; Dave Synowka

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