March 1999

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Student-Athletes Reach out Locally By James Englehardt Angie Brown would like to start a pen pal program. Cindy Juhn's class can't wait for them to come back. If initial reviews mean anything, the "We Can Make a Difference Together" program, sponsored by George Mason University Intercollegiate Athletics, is a sure hit. The program is a community service project developed by and coordinated through the marketing and communications division in collaboration with the Student-Athlete Council. Based on character-related themes, local schools can request George Mason student-athletes to speak on a variety of topics. The goal is to impart a positive and lasting message to impressionable children. Brown is a senior on the women's track and field team and the 1998 NCAA outdoor national champion in the long jump. She is also the president of a very active Student-Athlete Council. "The feeling I had I can't put into words," said the Philadelphia, Pa., native after she spoke to a group of 13 learning disabled third and fourth graders at Gar-Field Elementary School recently. "It was very interactive, and we had their full attention. We talked about overcoming obstacles, hard work, cooperation, and being honest. They wrote us letters back and drew us pictures. I'd like to start a pen pal program with the children." Brown and junior wrestler Bill Hildbold were the Patriots representatives at Gar-Field. Student-athletes, usually a male and female for each event, volunteer for the program. CeCe Rodgers, George Mason associate athletic director for marketing and communications, and Andy Ruge, assistant athletic director for promotions, coordinate and schedule the speakers. They also help select the topics in consultation with the teachers. Topics range anywhere from the dangers of drugs and the importance of reading to respect and character development. "There are mutual benefits with this program," Rodgers says. "We are always asking for the community's support at our events and this helps expose our student-athletes and our programs to these students. "In return, the students may hear a message that resonates in their own lives by athletes who would be like an older brother or sister. It's a "win-win situation." Schools also receive free tickets to a selected men's and women's athletic event. According to Juhn, a counselor at Gar-Field, the program exceeded expectations. "The kids were fascinated," she says. The speakers were young and enthusiastic and interesting. When I heard they would talk about values, perseverance, and reliability, I thought it would be an appropriate message. They told the students that, if they work hard and persevere, they can be successful. Our kids keep asking when they're coming back. Angie and Bill were excellent." The word is spreading; the program already received requests for 17 speaking engagements in February. "Their innocence was incredible," says Brown of her audience. "As you get older, you lose some of that. Those students helped me realize that what we do we take lightly. We need to be more aware of what we do and the decisions it involves." For more information on the "We Can Make a Difference Together" program, call x33271. Rowing Team Assists Women's Shelter The George Mason University women's rowing team also did its share to help the less fortunate this last holiday season. The team collected nonperishable food items, cleaning products, and toys for The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS). TACTS is a safehouse for battered women and children and an emergency shelter for homeless women and families. More than 400 items were collected by team members and donated to the shelter. "We were all shocked when we heard the statistics and that the shelter sometimes has to turn people away," said senior team member Elizabeth Ostermeier. "You don't realize the magnitude of the problem. You hear about it, but this opened our eyes. We were happy to assist in this effort, and it was a bonding experience for our team."