Trustee Hill Performs Advocacy on behalf of Concerned Alumni Athletes (Sound)

November 2021 - In September 2021, a letter was written to President French by Alumnus Raymond “Tweet” Williams that was also signed by 111 former athletes and alumni supporters of athletics. They wanted an audience with the President to ask what his plans for our athletics programs was, discuss their concerns, and propose solutions. I coordinated and facilitated the requested meeting with the President, which was held in late November, it went very well.

These alumni have served the University well, their credentials and experience include Coaches and Athletic Directors for CAU and Metro Atlanta Public School Systems, successful Fundraisers and other revenue-generating events for CAU, Hall of Famers, and state championship winners. So, they brought more than concerns, they bring the credibility to have this conversation, quantitative results from their support of the University, support for the President, and solutions for the University.

It's obvious that having a successful athletic program is important and high on the minds of alumni, because it is not only important to our brand and reputation as a University, it is an opportunity to use football as a revenue generator that can support your entire athletic program. I am further pleased to have received calls after these events, from alumni who are ready to roll up their sleeves and do more financially, as well as be more intentional with their alumni engagement.

"We look forward to partnering with the President and look forward to the support of the Administration and this body [Trustees] from a budget perspective, when requests are made for the University to financially support our athletics and activities such as the Band." - Trustee Hill in her report to the Board about this meeting.