Dear Friends of William & Mary Athletics,
 
My first semester at William & Mary is winding down and it has been a tremendous and positive learning experience.  One thing that has really made an impression is the wonderful partnerships that Athletics has across campus.
 
On Monday, as I was waiting for my afternoon caffeine to kick in, I received Provost Peggy Agouris' email that lists 5 Things to Know This Week.  Peggy gave our department a shout out for two items that are near and dear to me—our student-athlete graduation rate (second among all Division I and II public institutions) and the recent gifts of $1.1 million that are going toward the revitalization of Kaplan Arena and the building of the new Sports Performance Center. I will be able to thank Peggy personally later this month when I speak to the Faculty Assembly.  
 
Earlier this semester I spoke to the Staff and Student assemblies, as well as other faculty groups.  Each conversation was a great education for me and each helped me learn a little more about our great university.
 
Various campus departments have also generously spent some time with me.  Two recent visits were with the Cohen Career Center, which has office hours for student-athletes right here in our home, Kaplan Arena, and our longtime partner Rec Sports.  Now it's my turn to give a shout out to our wonderful friends and colleagues for everything they do – Kathleen Powell, Chief Career Officer and Linda Knight, director of Rec Sports.
 
As I learn the ropes at W&M, I've also had the pleasure of discovering some of our campus gems.  Hilary, Russell and I spent some family time recently at the Sunken Garden, and we are lucky to have it commemorated in the photo below. 

 

While classes and exams will soon be over, there are still several opportunities to watch the Tribe.  Please check the calendar for chances to end 2021 and begin 2022 cheering for the Green and Gold.
 
Go Tribe!
 
Brian D. Mann
Director of Athletics