University of Minnesota Athletics
A note from Athletics Director Joel Maturi
5/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
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A message from Athletics Director Joel Maturi
Commitment. It’s a vital part of success in any organization. Nowhere is the power of commitment more visible than in the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes here at the University of Minnesota.
Last year alone, our teams earned four conference championships, including men’s hockey, women’s gymnastics, women’s track and field, and wrestling. The Golden Gophers also earned national honors in post-season play, including a fifth consecutive Frozen Four appearance by the women’s hockey team and a national runner-up finish for the wrestling squad. Men’s golf ended its season third in NCAA competition. Personal achievements included Heather Dorniden’s 800m national championship in women’s indoor track and field, plus individual national championships for wrestlers Cole Konrad and Dustin Schlatter.
Additionally, 232 student-athletes were honored as Academic All-Conference by the Big Ten last year (a new record for the Golden Gophers), and six were national Academic All-Americans. Our graduation rate continues to exceed that of the overall student body at the University.
The success of our student athletes inspires all of us to show the same level of commitment. Our department is dedicated to ensuring that these young men and women have the resources necessary for academic and athletic success. To be sure, financial gifts are critical in meeting this goal. Your generosity results in real and tangible benefits that help our student-athletes maximize their potential.
Please take a few minutes to consider a gift in support of excellence—both on the field and in the classroom. You can designate gifts to a particular sport of your choice, as well as to the Berg Fund (general women's scholarship fund) or the Williams Fund (general men's scholarship fund). If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Golden Gopher Fund staff at 612/626-GOLD. Thank you for your past support and future generosity. I am confident that we will continue to do great things together, for we are... Minnesota!
Sincerely,
Joel Maturi
Athletics Director
