Wooster to Host Alumni Sports Panel on April 7

Four prominent graduates to speak in Mateer Auditorium

WOOSTER, Ohio — Four College of Wooster graduates with distinguished resumés in the world of sports, will return to campus Thursday (April 7) evening to participate in an Alumni Sports Panel. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in Mateer Auditorium (931 College Mall). The panel consists of Alpha Alexander, Dan Griffis, Ann Elizabeth Sofoluwe, and Kevin Friedman.

Margaret Wick, visiting assistant professor of communication and advisor to the four interns who are coordinating the panel, said, “The idea grew out of students’ interest in learning about how Wooster graduates have developed their sports-related careers. We have asked alumni to share their personal stories and offer advice to students about how they can initiate and shape their own careers in sports.”

Alexander, a physical education and history double major from the class of 1976 and a star athlete as an undergraduate, earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in physical education from Temple University. She served as a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Arthur Ashe Athletic Association. In 2001, she received a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Sliver Anniversary Award, and in 2006, she was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential NCAA Student-Athletes of the Century. In addition, she received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Wooster in 2008.

Griffis, a history major from the class of 1994, earned his MBA with High Distinction at the University of Michigan. He then began working for Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGR) in 2002 and is currently the executive vice president. His responsibilities include sponsorship management and business development for Ganassi’s NASCAR, Indy Car, and Grand-Am teams. Since he joined the team, CGR has had a number of successes, including more than 75 race wins and eight motorsports championships. The group was also voted Global Motorsport Team of the Year in 2010.

Sofoluwe, a communication studies major from the class of 2002, earned her M.A. in journalism at Temple University in 2004. She worked for PA Sports Ticker, Protect Cell, and the Big East Conference before moving to her current position as project coordinator at Sports Team Analysis and Tracking Systems (STATS) LLC. Her job includes managing the technical relationship with print, broadcast, internet, and mobile industries for more than 100 clients, including the Associated Press, CBS Sports, AOL, and Sprint.

Friedman, a business economics major from the class of 2009, was a two-time all-conference performer and a record-setting punter with the Scot football team as well as a co-host for “The Rundown,” a sports show on the College’s radio station (WCWS). He began his professional career as a ticket salesman for the Cleveland Gladiators even before graduation. After earning his degree in business economics, he accepted a position with the Cleveland Browns and is currently account executive of season tickets.

The alumni panel event was organized by interns Kelsey Grassman, Ashley Stockwell, Kinsey Walker, and William Evans, and sponsored by the Communication Club, the Women’s Athletic and Recreation Association, the Office of Alumni Relations, the Cultural Events Committee, the Student Activities Advisory Committee, and the “W” Association. Additional information is available by phone (330-263-2533) or e-mail.