The United States Sports Academy threw a party 50 years in the making as it hosted its first ever Founder’s Day celebration April 21-22. The two-day event culminated with a commencement ceremony for students who traveled from all parts of the country to attend.
On Thursday, 21 April, the Academy hosted an Open House event followed by an alumni outing at a Minor League Baseball game in Pensacola, Fla. Academy graduates, resident faculty, non-resident faculty, staff, Trustees, and the Academy’s mascot Sammy Eagle attended the game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Montgomery Biscuits.
On Friday, 22 April, the Academy hosted an Alumni Symposium moderated by director of doctoral studies Dr. Fred Cromartie with alumni panelists Dr. Neal Ring, Dr. Amy Stell, Dr. Dexter Davis, Dr. Anthony D’Onofrio, and Dr. William Kruse. Later that morning, the institution hosted its 50 Years of Sport and Education Symposium featuring international sport corruption investigator Prof. Richard McLaren, Trustee and University of Texas athletics administrator Ms. Chris Plonsky, and Academy President and CEO Dr. T.J. Rosandich.
The Founder’s Day event culminated with a commencement ceremony with students from around the country and an Honorary Doctorate presentation to McLaren. Highlights from the graduation program can be viewed below.
The Academy’s Honored Graduates were:
Doctor of Education degree: Heidi Crone, Lorenzo Guess, Robert Herron, Steven Jondreau, Amy Stell, Eric Street, and Ciara Taylor.
Master of Sports Science degree: Latasha Bailey, Johnathan Barragan, Terri DeFour, and James Jordan.
Bachelor of Sports Science degree: Rafael Guttierez
CONGRATS on a successful CELEBRATION!…& ROLL TIDE!