Fist of all welcome. I never thought I'd start a blog or ever be in a position to talk about myself but I feel this is the platform to do it. I know my grandmother kept a journal by hand for so many years this is our generations version of passing along our memories.
As an SID (Sports Information Director) at Bishop's I'm usually writing stories and press releases about others, this is completely different. I'll be in front of the camera and not behind it. It should be a combination of emotion, humor and hopefully some great memories. Enjoy!
The reason I decided to start this was that in Februay of this year (2017) I decided that I really wanted to go to the annual CoSIDA Convention in Orlando in June (10-15). Many of my colleagues have been and really express what an amassing professional development opportunity that it is. I have just completed my 5th year at Bishop's add on 2 years of experience at Laurentian and well it's long over due that I get some additional training. Hard to believe that it's been 8 years since I walked across that Fraser Auditorium stage to receive my B.Comm (Sports Administration) Degree from Laurentian.
Anyway Bishop's is in basically a financial crisis and funding can be tight. I read up about the CoSIDA grant program and figured I had nothing to lose by applying. Sure enough I was forntate to be selected as a grant recipient. Meaning I get an $800 travel grant plus a free conference entrance. WaHoo! It really did make me feel proud. We have done a number of great things in the 5 years that I've been at BU, but this accomplishment ranks right up there on a personal level.
Read all about the grant recipients here.
It turns out I'm the only recipient from all of U SPORTS. Pretty cool. Understanding what the grant program entails part of it is reflection on our experience. I thought instead of a post-event letter, that I will try and have regular update here with how everything is going. What better way to reflect than as it is happening?
Next step is to continue checking the schedules and lining up exactly what I need and want to attend. Grant recipients also have additional responsibilities which I look forward to hearing about.
I am signed up for the Learfield Leadership conference on the opening Sunday too, should be interesting.
I've never been to Orlando so I'm going to keep a close eye on the weather and plan is to buy a new carry-on suitcase to hopefully hold everything I need, I hate waiting at those carousels in the airport.
SRC AWARDS
Friday night (April 7) also brought another very proud moment. At the annual SRC awards I was fortunate to present the Michel Fountaine Experience award to Clare Webb. Clare has worked with me for the last 5 years and as I mentioned in my speech went from being an volunteer to an intern to a colleague but is more importantly a friend and some I consider part of our family. She is more than deserving of this award and I was very happy to present it to her.
Little did I know she had something up her sleeve as well. She had nominated me for the SRC Support Staff Award and I was recognized when she presented it to me at the same awards night. I am very humbled and appreciative to receive the award. I want to make the students experience better while they gain valuable knowledge in real life experiences. What I get in return from seeing them and our department evolve is thanks in itself. To have Clare go out of her way while she is busy and take the time to make the nomination is very special. Thank you Clare and all the students I have been lucky enough to work with.
An added thanks to Jess (my wife) who knew about both awards but was able to keep them both secret from Clare and I. That Theater certificate certainly comes in handy!
Our athletic banquet (also a success) took place last week and with it comes the end of the 2016-17 season. Next up for us is the Gaiter Classic but you know that I'll be looking ahead to that CoSIDA convention as the anticipation builds.
Until next time,
Marty
