Adding Value to Our Community
The graduate program in Sports Administration has a long-standing tradition of giving back--not only to the program itself--but students have also realized the importance of giving back to the community in which one resides.  With this in mind, the SAFM students have made it a priority to help make a difference in the Athens community.

Among the projects that have been undertaken by students in the past include participating in the Athens Community Upward Bound Basketball League as coaches, referees, and game day support staff.  This initiative involved many students taking time out of their busy schedules to teach basketball and life lessons to children of all ages.  In addition, the class has partnered with Miracles for Life and has designated this cause to receive all proceeds from the 2009 Gridiron Gallup, a 5K run held in conjunction with the annual Bobcat Blitz.

Moreover, previous classes have made smaller impacts throughout the community.  Past events have included an ice skating social with proceeds benefitting an Athens-area family during the holiday season, a trip to Logan to pack food boxes for needy families in the area, and several events involving Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Athens County.

Making a difference in the community has become a priority over the years for the SAFM students and this appears to be poised to become a long-standing tradition with future graduate students in the program.