As we begin a new year at Ohio University, I want to take this opportunity to share some good news coming from our Center for Sports Administration and SAFM Program. One of our greatest assets continues to be our alumni association and the many opportunities that the men and women who once attended our program bring back to our current students and faculty.

While many of you may have seen the announcement that we have our fifth founding partner, Ellerbe Becket on board, (click here for story) you may be unaware that the initial introduction came from Barry Silverman, MSA ‘73. Barry recently retired as the General Manger of the Bobcat Arena in Charlotte and has been serving as a consultant to Ellerbe Beckett for a couple of years now. A little over a year ago he reached out to us to explore ways that the architecture firm might enhance our facilities class and course of study at Ohio University. The initial conversations lead to an introduction with Brett Fuller, Director of New Business Development at Ellerbe Beckett. Brett has a sports marketing background and was recruited by the firm to bring in some new ideas that would enhance the brand of one of the leading sports architecture firms in the world. I had the privilege of working with Ellerbe Becket during the design and construction of Gund Arena and was excited to explore a partnership with Brett. To make along story short this partnership would not have been possible without Barry’s introduction.

This past Wednesday, January 16th the MSA Class of 2008 had the unique experience of promoting the Harlem Globetrotters at the Convocation Center. The project was part of Dr. Ridpath’s sports marketing course; however the concept was introduced by John Tafaro MSA ’77 and one of our adjunct professors. John reached out to Bill Barrett MSA ’73 and a Vice President of Operations with Globetrotters last winter and suggested that the students could handle the marketing, sales and promotions for a return of the Globetrotters. While I was a little skeptical at first, the Globetrotters were in Athens four years ago and drew 800 fans at Athens High School, John persuaded me to explore the opportunity and convinced me that they could handle the project and increase attendance in Athens. The end result was over $70,000 in sales and 5,500 fans in the Convocation Center. You would all be proud of the job that this year’s class did with grass roots marketing and a limited advertising budget that they leveraged into several meaningful promotions. Special recognition goes out to MSA students Brain Brantley, Whitney Byrd, David Bamford, Michael Jacobs & Dr. Ridpath whose leadership and hard work were greatly appreciated.

I wanted to share both of these stories with you as they are just a couple examples of how our alumni association continues to give back to our program. The sum of our parts continues to be greater than our whole. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and what will keep us ahead of our competition in the years to come.

All my best!
Jim Kahler