Xavier in Trouble!!!
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 1:47 pm
I recieved this in my e-mail from my coach Newt Engle.
Fellow Rifle Supporters,
It has not hit the wires yet, but the student athlete instant messages have been buzzing with the news. The rumor was that Xavier University (Ohio) was going to eliminate their rifle program. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you this is not a rumor. I called Xavier Athletics yesterday and was informed the team will finish this season and then, the program will be eliminated. The reasons given to me was budget and facility (ventilation) issues. I called but could not reach my friend, coach Alan Joseph, to hear from him what we could do. I also know we can not allow time to pass allowing Xavier administrators to think this is an acceptable course of action.
I can not begin to tell you how personal this is to me. Coach Alan Joseph and I competed as collegiate athletes in the 70’s and started coaching our respective schools soon thereafter. We grew up together as athletes, as coaches, and as friends. Alan has dedicated his life to his program and has made Xavier one of the most sought after colleges for Olympic rifle athletes. I have to stop now because I could fill your screen with praise for Alan and his school. But I have a much more important issue to address with YOU. That is right, each and every one of you. You are getting this message because you are one of the more than 450 people on my list-serve who has expressed interest in the sport of rifle. I have never used this list-serve for anything other than periodic press releases but feel I must now diverge and ask for your help. We as representatives of our sport MUST make our voice heard. West Virginia University tried to eliminate rifle, but the outcry was so immediate and so over whelming the decision was reversed. It is imperative we repeat the performance for Xavier. As a start, I have pasted some contact information below about the Xavier administrators who have the power to re-evaluate this decision. Please take a moment to tell them how you feel. I implore you to represent our sport with respect and dignity by composing your remarks in a polite but direct manner. These administrators NEED to know how we feel. Next, I request you forward this message to as many persons as you feel comfortable asking for help and ask them to forward this request. Hopefully this is the beginning of a VERY large tree. If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at the numbers below, or at mengle@uakron.edu . Thanks in advance for taking the time to click on the addresses below and make our voice heard. My best advice is “Do It Now.”
Most Sincerely,
Newt Engle
Department of Athletics
Coach Newt Engle
146 Hill Street
Akron, Ohio 44325-0402
330-972-6182 Office
330-972-5552 Range
330-972-7772 Fax
330-325-7244 Home Akron Rifle - Go Zips!
Xavier Contact information:
lang@xavier.edu Joseph A. Pichler, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Xavier University
graham@xavier.edu Michael J. Grahm, President of Xavier University
kucia@xavier.edu John F. Kucia , Vice President over Athletics
rogers@xavier.edu Dawn Rogers, Athletic Director
More detailed information below:
Xavier University Home Page: http://www.xu.edu/
Check out what Coach Alan Joseph has accomplished: http://athletics.xu.edu/rifle/coaches.cfm?program=Rifle
==============================================================
MR. JOSEPH A. PICHLER,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Lang@xavier.edu
(Beginning September 24, 2004)
Retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
==============================================================
Michael J. Graham, S.J., President
Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J.
Title:
President
Phone:
513 745-3502
Fax:
513 745-4223
Email:
graham@xavier.edu
Michael J. Graham, S.J. became the 34th Jesuit president of Xavier University in January 2001. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Graham earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He also holds Master of Arts degrees in American Studies and psychology, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Michigan. Graham entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 3, 1978 and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1988. Graham's path to the presidency at Xavier began with an assignment as an adjunct professor of history in 1984. He spent a year and a half at Xavier before leaving to undertake a master's degree in divinity at The Weston School of Theology. He returned to campus four years later, in 1989, serving as an assistant professor of history and later as director of the university scholars program. In the spring of 1994 he was promoted to the rank of associate professor.
In the fall of that year, Graham accepted an appointment as vice president for university relations and served in that capacity until1999 when he was promoted to executive assistant to President James E. Hoff, S.J. In his role in university relations, he directed the offices for development, marketing and public relations, alumni and parent relations, special events, and the WVXU radio station. During his tenure as vice president, Graham managed The Century Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Xavier's history that ended in 2001. The five-year fund drive raised $125 million.
As President of Xavier, Graham has invigorated the University's 171-year old tradition of serving society by educating students intellectually, morally, and spiritually, with academic rigor and compassion, toward lives of solidarity and service. Since completion of the newest structures on campus, including the Gallagher Student Center, Graham is focusing on academic excellence. As part of his strategic plan the University has established an academic vision, increased the number of full-time faculty, enhanced interdisciplinary study, and expanded academic service learning. Fulfilling his vision of the "University as Citizen," Graham has also initiated the Community Building Collaborative at Xavier, which coordinates activities that connect the University to the surrounding neighborhoods and larger community. A goal for the University is to partner with both local and regional organizations and for Xavier citizens to become more active participants in the community.
As a parish priest active at both Good Shepherd Catholic Church in suburban Cincinnati and with Xavier student groups, Graham carries out his Jesuit pastoral activities as celebrant for weddings, baptisms, and retreats as well as weekly Sunday worship. He has maintained as well an active presence in the classroom since becoming President. "I'm a priest and I'm a teacher," says Graham. "My gifts and experience intersect with Xavier University at this particular moment in time in such a way that what I think I'll be able to contribute is an enhanced sense of the University's excellence as a university, per se, and as a distinctly Jesuit-Catholic university."
John F. Kucia, Administrative Vice President
Dr. John Kucia
Title:
Administrative Vice President
Phone:
513 745-3997
Email:
kucia@xavier.edu
John Kucia is administrative vice president at Xavier and the principal assistant to Xavier President, Michael J. Graham, S.J. As administrative vice president, Kucia is responsible for the University’s intercollegiate athletic program, community and government relations and the Cintas Center. Kucia has earned a bachelor’s degree in political science (1969) and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling (1972) from Xavier, and will earn a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2004. He was named director of alumni relations in 1984, assistant to the president in 1986 and has served as vice president since 1990. Kucia and his wife, Mary (MEd, '76), have five children: Kristin ('91), John ('93), Peter ('95), and twins Emily ('02) and Ellen (Loyola, Chicago '02).
Ms. Dawn Rogers
Title:
Athletic Director
Phone:
513 745-3417
Fax:
513 745-4390
Email:
rogers@xavier.edu
Fellow Rifle Supporters,
It has not hit the wires yet, but the student athlete instant messages have been buzzing with the news. The rumor was that Xavier University (Ohio) was going to eliminate their rifle program. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you this is not a rumor. I called Xavier Athletics yesterday and was informed the team will finish this season and then, the program will be eliminated. The reasons given to me was budget and facility (ventilation) issues. I called but could not reach my friend, coach Alan Joseph, to hear from him what we could do. I also know we can not allow time to pass allowing Xavier administrators to think this is an acceptable course of action.
I can not begin to tell you how personal this is to me. Coach Alan Joseph and I competed as collegiate athletes in the 70’s and started coaching our respective schools soon thereafter. We grew up together as athletes, as coaches, and as friends. Alan has dedicated his life to his program and has made Xavier one of the most sought after colleges for Olympic rifle athletes. I have to stop now because I could fill your screen with praise for Alan and his school. But I have a much more important issue to address with YOU. That is right, each and every one of you. You are getting this message because you are one of the more than 450 people on my list-serve who has expressed interest in the sport of rifle. I have never used this list-serve for anything other than periodic press releases but feel I must now diverge and ask for your help. We as representatives of our sport MUST make our voice heard. West Virginia University tried to eliminate rifle, but the outcry was so immediate and so over whelming the decision was reversed. It is imperative we repeat the performance for Xavier. As a start, I have pasted some contact information below about the Xavier administrators who have the power to re-evaluate this decision. Please take a moment to tell them how you feel. I implore you to represent our sport with respect and dignity by composing your remarks in a polite but direct manner. These administrators NEED to know how we feel. Next, I request you forward this message to as many persons as you feel comfortable asking for help and ask them to forward this request. Hopefully this is the beginning of a VERY large tree. If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at the numbers below, or at mengle@uakron.edu . Thanks in advance for taking the time to click on the addresses below and make our voice heard. My best advice is “Do It Now.”
Most Sincerely,
Newt Engle
Department of Athletics
Coach Newt Engle
146 Hill Street
Akron, Ohio 44325-0402
330-972-6182 Office
330-972-5552 Range
330-972-7772 Fax
330-325-7244 Home Akron Rifle - Go Zips!
Xavier Contact information:
lang@xavier.edu Joseph A. Pichler, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Xavier University
graham@xavier.edu Michael J. Grahm, President of Xavier University
kucia@xavier.edu John F. Kucia , Vice President over Athletics
rogers@xavier.edu Dawn Rogers, Athletic Director
More detailed information below:
Xavier University Home Page: http://www.xu.edu/
Check out what Coach Alan Joseph has accomplished: http://athletics.xu.edu/rifle/coaches.cfm?program=Rifle
==============================================================
MR. JOSEPH A. PICHLER,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Lang@xavier.edu
(Beginning September 24, 2004)
Retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
==============================================================
Michael J. Graham, S.J., President
Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J.
Title:
President
Phone:
513 745-3502
Fax:
513 745-4223
Email:
graham@xavier.edu
Michael J. Graham, S.J. became the 34th Jesuit president of Xavier University in January 2001. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Graham earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He also holds Master of Arts degrees in American Studies and psychology, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Michigan. Graham entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 3, 1978 and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1988. Graham's path to the presidency at Xavier began with an assignment as an adjunct professor of history in 1984. He spent a year and a half at Xavier before leaving to undertake a master's degree in divinity at The Weston School of Theology. He returned to campus four years later, in 1989, serving as an assistant professor of history and later as director of the university scholars program. In the spring of 1994 he was promoted to the rank of associate professor.
In the fall of that year, Graham accepted an appointment as vice president for university relations and served in that capacity until1999 when he was promoted to executive assistant to President James E. Hoff, S.J. In his role in university relations, he directed the offices for development, marketing and public relations, alumni and parent relations, special events, and the WVXU radio station. During his tenure as vice president, Graham managed The Century Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Xavier's history that ended in 2001. The five-year fund drive raised $125 million.
As President of Xavier, Graham has invigorated the University's 171-year old tradition of serving society by educating students intellectually, morally, and spiritually, with academic rigor and compassion, toward lives of solidarity and service. Since completion of the newest structures on campus, including the Gallagher Student Center, Graham is focusing on academic excellence. As part of his strategic plan the University has established an academic vision, increased the number of full-time faculty, enhanced interdisciplinary study, and expanded academic service learning. Fulfilling his vision of the "University as Citizen," Graham has also initiated the Community Building Collaborative at Xavier, which coordinates activities that connect the University to the surrounding neighborhoods and larger community. A goal for the University is to partner with both local and regional organizations and for Xavier citizens to become more active participants in the community.
As a parish priest active at both Good Shepherd Catholic Church in suburban Cincinnati and with Xavier student groups, Graham carries out his Jesuit pastoral activities as celebrant for weddings, baptisms, and retreats as well as weekly Sunday worship. He has maintained as well an active presence in the classroom since becoming President. "I'm a priest and I'm a teacher," says Graham. "My gifts and experience intersect with Xavier University at this particular moment in time in such a way that what I think I'll be able to contribute is an enhanced sense of the University's excellence as a university, per se, and as a distinctly Jesuit-Catholic university."
John F. Kucia, Administrative Vice President
Dr. John Kucia
Title:
Administrative Vice President
Phone:
513 745-3997
Email:
kucia@xavier.edu
John Kucia is administrative vice president at Xavier and the principal assistant to Xavier President, Michael J. Graham, S.J. As administrative vice president, Kucia is responsible for the University’s intercollegiate athletic program, community and government relations and the Cintas Center. Kucia has earned a bachelor’s degree in political science (1969) and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling (1972) from Xavier, and will earn a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2004. He was named director of alumni relations in 1984, assistant to the president in 1986 and has served as vice president since 1990. Kucia and his wife, Mary (MEd, '76), have five children: Kristin ('91), John ('93), Peter ('95), and twins Emily ('02) and Ellen (Loyola, Chicago '02).
Ms. Dawn Rogers
Title:
Athletic Director
Phone:
513 745-3417
Fax:
513 745-4390
Email:
rogers@xavier.edu