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for Press Release of Roby's Appointment to Director
It is with a great deal of excitement and humility that I write to you for the first time as the Director. After seventeen years there is a new Director at Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society and it is that fact that makes this a humble occasion.
Richard Lapchick's legacy will continue to influence Sport in Society�s work and we will use the legacy of his dedication, vision and energy to move us forward.
I�ve taken great pleasure in hearing many of my closest friends and colleagues say how great a fit they think this opportunity is for Sport in Society and me. In fact, I could not agree more! I have been committed to the value of sport and it�s influence on our society for most of my adult life.
I've personally experienced the values that sport can impart and I'm committed to sharing those values with others. Sport is the world�s great common denominator that can eliminate differences between people, even if only for a short time. Sport can bring people together to share in a common love, when circumstances might otherwise dictate animosity, hatred and war.
I've accepted the challenge of leading Sport in Society because I believe the people here can change the world. When we can help young people appreciate their differences as strengths, not as what separates them, it provides the foundation for society to come together in peace.
Educating society on issues of violence against women is as important as anything we do. The importance of teaching young men to respect their female peers cannot be overstated.
It is programs like Athletes in Service to America, the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program, Project TEAMWORK, Urban Youth Sports, and the Disability in Sport Initiative that have me convinced that we can change the world. Thanks to your continued support we will maintain our resolve to do so.
I just recently attended a year-end celebration for our corps members that participated in our Athletes in Service to America program. It was so inspiring to be in the company of a group of young people that committed over 20,000 hours of service to the children in the Boston school system. I believe in my heart that one person can make a difference and our corps members are proof of that.
I am only a month into my tenure and still getting my balance so I won't attempt to outline our goals for Sport in Society at this time. I can tell you that we will be focusing on several areas in my first six months:
- Establishing strong relationships with the Northeastern Community
- Beginning work on a three-year strategic plan
- Strengthening our ties to the Boston Community and
- Creating a consistent brand that will enhance our national reputation.
My transition to my new role as Director has been eased because of the kindness of many people here at the Northeastern University; and for that I am extremely grateful. The work we do is more important than ever. The staff is committed to making a difference every day. Your support is crucial to expanding the reach and impact of our programs. I look forward to meeting and thanking many of you personally and sharing my vision for the future with you.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer.
– Peter P. Roby
Northeastern
University's
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF SPORT IN SOCIETY
360 Huntington Avenue, Suite 161 CP
Boston, MA 02115-5000
Phone: (617) 373-4025
Fax: (617) 373-4566 / 2092
E-MAIL US at [email protected]