SMC creates club to boost athletic support
By KATIE McVOY
News Writer
This year, Saint Mary's athletics will be bringing its alumni back into focus as the College begins the Saint Mary's Belles Varsity Club.
"This is a great chance for us to bring alumni into [athletics]" athletic director Lynn Kachmarik said.
The club, which began its early operations last year, will enter into full swing during the 2000-2001 academic year, with the approval of the College.
"The Belles club will serve an essential role of ensuring the success of Saint Mary's athletics, continuing expansion of intramural and club sports and assisting us with creating a state-of-the-art personal wellness and fitness center for all members of the Saint Mary's community," Kachmarik said.
The idea for the Varsity Club has its roots in athletic clubs at colleges and universities around the country.
The Varsity Club will offer membership to any alumnae, parent of a current student, faculty, or staff member.
A contribution of $50 or more will guarantee receipt of four newsletters per year. Larger donations will include additional incentives such as atheltic brochures and lapel pins. A donation of $1,000 or more will guarantee membership in the College's Madeleva Society.
Donations to the program may be restricted for use to any area of the athletic department or may be given for use as the athletic department sees fit. Restricted areas include specific varsity sports, intramurals, personal wellness and sports medicine.
All members of the club will receive quarterly newsletters that will detail progress in the athletic department, news on the current season's sports and alumni information.
The first two newsletters will be sent to all faculty, staff, parents of current students, and alumni. A mailing, including an enclosed membership application, will follow.
"By joining the Belles Varsity Club [the member] will continue to receive our newsletter and become an important member of Saint Mary's athletic family," Kachmarik said.
The first newsletter, planned to be mailed in the next two weeks, will contain information about fall sports, the expansion of the intramural program and information on the club itself.
All News Stories for Tuesday, September 12, 2000
