UConn athletics gives us
much cause to celebrate

President Philip E. Austin introduces new Athletic Director Jeffrey Hathaway at a news conference.

Like you, we at the University take great pride in our athletics program. Even in the exhilaration of a national championship season, however, our essential mission remains clear. The University of Connecticut is, first and foremost, committed to the excellence of its academic programs. Over the past decade, our athletics program has generated enormous student interest, enhanced our national visibility, help create the climate that made possible our landmark building program, and set a standard for excellence in achievement that is a metaphor for the entire University.

The record of success is nothing short of extraordinary, and it goes far beyond the playing field. Since 1990, about 800 UConn student-athletes have been named to Big East Academic All-Star teams. Last year 40 percent earned a 3.0 grade point average or better, while 12 earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.

In the competitive arena, the numbers speak for themselves: Since 1990, UConn's teams have won 37 Big East regular season championships and 33 Big East tournament championships, appeared in 60 NCAA tournaments and 15 Final Fours, and won six national championships. The success of our women's programs, coupled with our nationally recognized performance in Title IX implementation, has given UConn a justly-deserved reputation as a leader in gender equity in athletics.

As director of athletics for the past 13 years, Lew Perkins was instrumental in bringing UConn athletics to the front ranks of intercollegiate competition. Working with one of the most talented groups of coaches and staff in the country, Lew laid the foundation for continuing strength in the years to come. As he departs this summer for the University of Kansas, he goes with our profound thanks for a job well done.

To our great good fortune, we were able to bring Jeff Hathaway back to UConn to serve as athletics director as we embark on a new era. As our senior associate athletics director from 1990 to 2001, Jeff played a vital role in all aspects of our progress, including the transition to Division I-A football. For the past two years he served as director of athletics at Colorado State University, where he achieved notable success.

Jeff shares UConn's values, including a commitment to academic excellence and adherence to the highest standards of integrity.

UConn athletics gives us much cause to celebrate. A program grounded in good ideals and a commitment to scholar-athletes as students above all; a record of success; students of whom we can be proud; and an outstanding new leader - all this and more contributes to the University's overall strength, and serves as a point of pride for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of UConn here at home, across the country and around the world.