The alumni magazine of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ...

12
a Banner Year for the eagles
No matter how you look at
it, Embry-Riddle Daytona
Beach Athletics had a
banner year. Whether
on the field, in the classroom, or on
the fundraising front, the Eagles
program enjoyed record or near-record
achievements.
On the field, it was the best year in
the Eagles’ 20-year history, finishing
as the third best NAIA program in the
country—out of nearly 300 programs—
in the United States Sports Academy
Director’s Cup.
In the classroom, Embry-Riddle
student athletes continued to stand
out with a cumulative 3.01 GPA, higher
than the overall student body GPA for
the ninth year in a row.
And on the fundraising front,
Embry-Riddle celebrated a record
350 attendees and raised more than
$90,000 at its fourth annual Blue
& Gold Gala. Athletic Director Steve
Ridder still marvels at the success.
“Wow! Without a doubt, this was the
greatest year this program has ever
experienced,” Ridder says.
Ridder points to events like the Blue
& Gold Gala dinner and silent auction
as proof that strong philanthropic
support can play a role in program
success. “Our students benefit greatly
because of the generosity of so many."
With its record number of attendees,
this year’s Gala featured many
sponsors who took their support to a
new level. For the fourth year in a row,
Daytona Mitsubishi, owned by Embry-
Riddle alumnus, Richard Nisbett, was
the presenting sponsor. But this year,
Nisbett and his team launched the gala
to new heights by donating a 2008
Mitsubishi Galant to the live auction.
PHILANTHROPY REPORT
A record 350 supporters attended the April 2008
Blue & Gold Gala, raising more than $90,000 for
athletics programs at Embry-Riddle—Daytona Beach.
General sponsorship grew too, with
50 total sponsors, including 24 at the
Platinum Level of $1,000, up from 18 a
year ago. Dorothee Miller and Halifax
Health contributed at the Triple
Platinum Level of $5,000, ensuring
another great year for the studentathletes
in the program.
For the silent auction portion of the
event, Daytona Beach area businesses,
friends, faculty, staff and on-campus
organizations donated a record 210
items to attract bidders—including
autographed pin flags of the four 2007
PGA major championship winners and
a barbecue and pool party with the
Embry-Riddle men's basketball team
at the home of Embry-Riddle President
Dr. John P. Johnson.
For Steve Ridder, the outpouring
of support speaks volumes about
the generosity of the Embry-Riddle
community.
"Events like the Blue & Gold Gala bring
to light just how fortunate we are to
have such great relationships with
folks in the Embry-Riddle community
over these past 20 years,” Ridder says.
“We don't take these relationships for
granted. We are truly thankful for the
continued interest and vital support
of this community that makes Embry-
Riddle Athletics such a very special
program.”
3rd
eagles’ program national finish in
the united states sports academy
director’s cup, which recognizes overall
program competitive excellence.
13
2,200
hours of community service
completed by student athletes.
9
EMBRY-RIDDLE
ATHLETICS
number of eagle teams
that competed in naia
national championships.
3.01student
athlete gPa.
Years in a row that the
student-athlete gPa has
been higher than the
campus average.