GBI Magazine

Gold and Black Illustrated July-August 2013

Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.

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ACADEMICS Student-athletes maintained better than a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average (3.02) for the sixth consecutive year, and they now have performed better than the student body for 32 consecutive semesters – or 16 years. Our four-year graduation success rate stands at 80 percent, 1.6 percent better than last year and equal to the Division I average. It is tracking to reach 82 percent in 2014. Overall, 90 percent of student-athletes completing his/her eligibility at Purdue graduate. In addition to Ariel Turner being named the Academic All-American of the Year, swimmer Lauren Gustafson was a first team Academic All-American, giving us two such honorees for the first time since 2000-01. Andie Varsho of softball was a third team selection. A total of 152 Boilermakers garnered Academic All-Big Ten distinction, similar to the 2011-12 total of 158. LEADERSHIP Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of our studentathletes participated in a leadership activity, up 2 percent from a year ago. More than 300 enrolled in the Pyramid of Success curriculum, which utilizes a series of speakers to highlight on each of John Wooden's 16 building blocks for a better life. The John R. Wooden Leadership Institute is designed to accelerate leadership development among our student-athletes, and includes a public service component. Among the myriad of services initiatives is IMPACT – Influencing/Mentoring by Purdue Athletes with the (Brian and Danielle) Cardinal Tradition – in which student-athletes regularly visit three local elementary schools. Some 138 Boilermakers participated in 2012-13. FACILITIES / FISCAL On the heels of the Mackey Complex, we rededicated the Boilermaker Soccer Complex last fall and dedicated Alexander Field – our new baseball stadium – this spring. Both received rave reviews, and we are on track to have a new softball stadium join them on the northwest edge of campus in the spring of 2015. Detailed plans for approved renovations to the Ackerman Hills golf course are being finalized. By Sept. 1, HNTB will have a study of the Ross-Ade Stadium south end zone completed. In the next three to four years, we know we will have to repair concrete in the southeast and southwest corners of the main stadium horseshoe. The HNTB study will include removal of the south end zone bleachers, new video boards, enhanced sound system and ideas on how to best utilize the available space to generate revenue while enhancing the stadium aesthetics and the fan experience. In 2011-12, we were one of seven NCAA Division I athletics departments that was self-supporting. As of March 31, we are forecasting net operating income of $4.8 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, on revenue of $68.2 million. This amount, along with $3.5 million of reserves, will satisfy the Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Complex debt payment of $8.3 million. Our reserves are in line with our forecasts, and we will have transferred about $1.7 million of our $12 million commitment to the Center for Student Excellence and Leadership (CSEL) from our reserves, as well. Final year-end numbers will be available in early August. SUMMARY In 1992, the Board of Trustees declared, "Purdue University is committed to creating a nationally recognized athletics program that is excellent in all respects and that such a commitment is consistent with the University's academic mission and reputation." We are committed to our strategic plan, knowing full well that only a handful of schools will achieve the "25/85" designation in 2012-13. Over the last five years, we have ranked among the top 10 to 20 percent of all 335 Division I programs. The key is to ensure that we have adequate resources, sound plans and capable personnel. If we stay focused, we can succeed, but it will require commitment at all levels. We have to believe this effort is an integral piece of building Purdue's reputation as well as producing 21st century leaders. As our annual scholarship bill approaches $10 million, we must continue our recruitment efforts for the John Purdue Club in order to build a pipeline for the future. Although we are pleased that the annual scholarship fund and cash production figures were ahead of last year's total as of April 30, actual club membership dropped by 2.5 percent (chiefly at the First Team level). Every member – and every dollar – counts, and annual memberships begin at $17 per month – or just $200 annually. In addition to tax breaks, there are other tangible benefits, including priority ticket location and parking, a complimentary subscription to Gold and Black Illustrated, and invitations to exclusive John Purdue Club events. Thank you for sharing our passion and vision.

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