KSU Athletics Receives Gift From Judy Devine
8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
KENT, Ohio - Judy Devine, a long-time member of the Kent State Athletic Department and a 2003 inductee into the Varsity "K" Athletic Hall of Fame, has given a two-pronged gift that will allow the Golden Flashes to continue to cultivate and recognize the "student" in student-athlete.
Devine's generous donation will benefit the expansion of KSU's Academic Resource Center in addition to permanently endowing the Athletic Academic Honors Dinner, which is held every spring.
"I was attracted to the Academic Resource Center project because it visibly demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Athletics Department to helping student athletes succeed in their academic pursuits and earn their degrees," Devine said. "The 'student' part of the Kent State University student-athlete is taken seriously and supported strongly and it is my desire to remain affiliated with that effort.
"By combining support of the Academic Resource Center with an endowment for the Athletic Academic Honors Dinner, it is my hope that my contribution will impact student athletes all along the continuum of academic endeavor - from those individuals who need academic support to those who excel in the classroom. It is a privilege to continue to be affiliated in a meaningful way with an outstanding athletics program."
Considered the matriarch of KSU Athletics, Devine retired from her post as associate athletic director in 2000 following 31 years in a variety of roles within the department. She came to Kent State as a graduate assistant in 1969 and went on to serve for two seasons (1975-77) as the first head coach of the women's basketball team in addition to directing the field hockey team from its inception in 1975 through the 1980 campaign.
When the men's and women's athletic programs were merged in 1975, she was given the responsibilities of assistant director of athletics before being elevated to associate A.D. in 1978. At the time of her retirement, she coordinated financial aid, housing, awards and the academic performance of KSU's student-athletes. She also handled compliance and eligibility until 1999.
"Judy's gift further reiterates her lasting commitment to a strong educational model which will support student-athletes for the long term," KSU Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement Matthew Geis said. "This commitment speaks volumes of Judy's compassionate nature and benevolence for higher education."
Devine's lead gift, in conjunction with a donation from George and Gina Jenkins, provided the impetus for the $250,000 expansion of the ARC that will increase the square footage by 40 percent and allow student-athletes more opportunities to excel in their studies. Work on the expansion, which will be named in honor of Devine, is slated to begin at the completion of the Spring 2009 semester and will include 17 additional study carrels, two small group study areas and a soft-seating area.
"I am so privileged to have had the extreme good fortune to come under the sphere of influence of Judy Devine," Ohio High School Athletic Association Assistant Commissioner and former KSU student-athlete Dr. Deborah B. Moore said. "She has been a mentor, a role model, a wonderful teacher and coach and a good friend to me these many years. It is awesome to consider the many students, coaches, faculty, support staff and administrators whose lives Judy has touched in such a positive way while serving Kent State University. What a fitting tribute to a life of such great significance."
Devine's generous donation will benefit the expansion of KSU's Academic Resource Center in addition to permanently endowing the Athletic Academic Honors Dinner, which is held every spring.
"I was attracted to the Academic Resource Center project because it visibly demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Athletics Department to helping student athletes succeed in their academic pursuits and earn their degrees," Devine said. "The 'student' part of the Kent State University student-athlete is taken seriously and supported strongly and it is my desire to remain affiliated with that effort.
"By combining support of the Academic Resource Center with an endowment for the Athletic Academic Honors Dinner, it is my hope that my contribution will impact student athletes all along the continuum of academic endeavor - from those individuals who need academic support to those who excel in the classroom. It is a privilege to continue to be affiliated in a meaningful way with an outstanding athletics program."
Considered the matriarch of KSU Athletics, Devine retired from her post as associate athletic director in 2000 following 31 years in a variety of roles within the department. She came to Kent State as a graduate assistant in 1969 and went on to serve for two seasons (1975-77) as the first head coach of the women's basketball team in addition to directing the field hockey team from its inception in 1975 through the 1980 campaign.
When the men's and women's athletic programs were merged in 1975, she was given the responsibilities of assistant director of athletics before being elevated to associate A.D. in 1978. At the time of her retirement, she coordinated financial aid, housing, awards and the academic performance of KSU's student-athletes. She also handled compliance and eligibility until 1999.
"Judy's gift further reiterates her lasting commitment to a strong educational model which will support student-athletes for the long term," KSU Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement Matthew Geis said. "This commitment speaks volumes of Judy's compassionate nature and benevolence for higher education."
Devine's lead gift, in conjunction with a donation from George and Gina Jenkins, provided the impetus for the $250,000 expansion of the ARC that will increase the square footage by 40 percent and allow student-athletes more opportunities to excel in their studies. Work on the expansion, which will be named in honor of Devine, is slated to begin at the completion of the Spring 2009 semester and will include 17 additional study carrels, two small group study areas and a soft-seating area.
"I am so privileged to have had the extreme good fortune to come under the sphere of influence of Judy Devine," Ohio High School Athletic Association Assistant Commissioner and former KSU student-athlete Dr. Deborah B. Moore said. "She has been a mentor, a role model, a wonderful teacher and coach and a good friend to me these many years. It is awesome to consider the many students, coaches, faculty, support staff and administrators whose lives Judy has touched in such a positive way while serving Kent State University. What a fitting tribute to a life of such great significance."
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