About RMU
President's Insider Newsletter - Spring 2012
In the fall I had a conversation with a prominent local journalist, who questioned whether it was appropriate for Robert Morris University to so aggressively promote our sports teams, given the scandals that have swirled around some of the nation’s biggest collegiate sports programs – from child sex abuse allegations to recruiting violations and illicit payments to athletes and their parents.
I was disappointed though not surprised by the question. He was not the first person to tar all NCAA Division I programs with the same broad brush, as though there is something inherently corrupting about college sports. Putting the horrific accusations of sexual abuse in a separate category, much of the criticism of Division I sports has been well-intentioned, aimed at ensuring that colleges and universities don’t exploit their student-athletes. Some of it, though, is rooted in gross stereotypes that suggest the very term “student-athlete” is an oxymoron.
That is certainly not our experience at RMU. Division I sports have played a critical role in our evolution as a university, creating excitement for Robert Morris among students and alumni, raising our visibility to the public, contributing to student life, and helping to build a complete campus experience. This isn’t just talk, as the profiles below demonstrate. Our athletes’ achievements don’t end on the court or on the field. They are immersed in the complete Robert Morris campus community, and do not occupy some rarefied space apart from other students.
Our student-athletes succeed because of their commitment to their sport, not in spite of it. As RMU sport psychologist Samantha Monda tells us, her experience as a college swimmer at one of the country's most academically demanding universities contributed to her success in the classroom – building discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that have shaped her as a university professor.
At RMU, athletics is an important aspect of our Student Engagement Program, which recognizes that what students learn outside the classroom – through community service, campus organizations, professional experiences, and sports, to name a few – is nearly as important as what goes on inside it. That’s why I’m proud as well of our robust club sports program, which offers 21 teams. Many of those athletes are as dedicated to their sport, and reap many of the same benefits, as the members our 23 Division I teams.
All our athletes want to compete at the highest level. Our women’s ice hockey team recently won its first College Hockey America tournament title, beating nine-time defending champion Mercyhurst. The men’s team advanced to the Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinals. Our men’s basketball team made its fourth consecutive appearance in the Northeast Conference final and was invited to participate in the collegeinsider.com tournament, and the women’s basketball team advanced to the NEC semifinals.
Their success comes despite having fewer resources than nearly all of their competitors. Your support helps to close that gap. I am grateful, and I hope that you will continue your generosity at RMU through your continued membership in the RMU President’s Council. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.
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