I was able to participate in an event celebrating the scholarly accomplishments of student-athletes. This was the first time for me since I have been at the University of Louisville. I had the chance to be invited to the Red & Black Scholar-Athlete Banquet and Awards ceremony last night at the Brown Williamson Club, which is located in the Papa John’s Football Stadium at UofL.
Attending the 17th Red & Black Scholar Athlete Banquet
I was invited by one of my current students, Maria, who is a track and field distance runner who was in my Intro to Strategic Communications class last semester and is currently in my StratComm Writing class. Maria has done extremely well in both of my classes and really does bring in her time management and work ethic into the classroom. I also had the chance to see some of my other current and former students getting introduced and acknowledged at the banquet as well. I was truly honored with this invitation to be part of this great event showcasing some amazing scholar student-athletes.
There were 300+ student athletes who all achieved a cumulative GPA of a 3.25 – which is quite an accomplishment! Faculty from all different departments were present as guest to celebrate the student-athletes.
I’m listed under faculty mentors! Very honored by this! 😀
As a professor now, I have the opportunity to see the academic landscape from this point of view and remember what it was like as a student-athlete both at the University of Florida and Southern California. I do discuss my times as a student-athlete in the classroom because track has shaped who I am presently and was the reason why I got involved so much with new media.
In addition, I understand the expectations and duties that come with student-athletes and how their sport is like a full time job. They have to compete but also manage their time effectively while also being professional as one of the many faces of the universities for the community and media. It’s a very rewarding opportunity to represent the university this way.
I have been retired from track and field for over six years, but it is great to be part of athletics in this new chapter of my life. I was truly honored to be part of this great event. It was wonderful to be part of this great event and the University of Louisville Athletics Department staff and personnel really hosted a wonderful event for all parties involved.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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