Students visit U.S. Olympic Training Center and NCAA Final Four

(L to R): Tommy Nelson, Abigaol Angaiak, AJ Warthen, Jack Matherly, Dr. Peggy Keiper, Lisa Laiti, and Brittany Richards
(L to R): Tommy Nelson, Abigaol Angaiak, AJ Warthen, Jack Matherly, Dr. Peggy Keiper, Lisa Laiti, and Brittany Richards



Last spring, a number of UAF students had the fantastic opportunity to attend two separate national events related to sport management.

On March 18-21, six students attended the Team USA Symposium held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The students were exposed to various aspects of the Olympic and Paralympic sport and learned from industry leaders through keynote speakers and panel discussions on various topics, including the Olympic Movement, sports performance, and sports business development.

UAF also entered two teams into the USOC Case Study competition. Each team presented a 15-minute oral presentation on whether or not eSports should be allowed in the Olympics to a panel of staff within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.



 

Lisa Laiti, Abigaol Angaiak and Jack Matherly present their case study to a panel of staff within the Olympic and Paralympic movement
Lisa Laiti, Abigaol Angaiak and Jack Matherly present their case study to a panel of staff within the Olympic and Paralympic movement


 

“The USOC Symposium was such an amazing experience,” said Lisa Laiti, a senior majoring in business administration. “I was able to get to know more people from the university who I didn't know very well before, experience a brand-new place, and learn so much about the sports business world. My favorite part of the trip was being able to have a better understanding of the Olympic Movement and the business side of the Olympics. This was the perfect occasion to build a bridge from my academic pursuits to my soon to be professional career for the ֱֻ Nanooks as the Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator.”

At the conclusion of the week, the students networked with representatives from the U.S. Olympic Committee, national governing bodies, and other local organizations at the Team USA Career and Internship Fair. “The USOC Symposium Career and Internship Fair, was by far one of the most rewarding things I've done,” said Tommy Nelson, a senior in the SOM Sport and Recreation Business program. “Everyone at the USOC radiated the Olympic spirit and made me even more proud to be an American. The speakers at the symposium provided so much information for someone looking to break into the sports world at a worker level, on the amateur side of sports. Finally, the connections I made with USOC staff during networking events were genuine and I'm still in contact with most of them. If I'm able, I'd return to this event many times."

On April 5-8, Dr. Josh Lupinek took a group of four UAF students to volunteer at the Men's NCAA Final Four held in Minneapolis, MN. The students had the opportunity to sign up for shifts at the Final Four, including the Welcoming Committee, Event Activation (focused on Fan Fest in the Minneapolis Convention Center, Tip-Off Tailgate, and other events) and Administration Roles. “Volunteering for the Final Four was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Jalon McCullough, one of the UAF students who participated in this event. “I enjoyed every minute of volunteering, exploring, and building strong relationships.”

 

Jordan Rodenberger and Jalon McCullough are two of the four students who volunteered at the Final Four in April, 2019
Jordan Rodenberger and Jalon McCullough are two of the four students who volunteered at the Final Four in April, 2019


 

The School of Management is continuing to provide many students with opportunities to develop not only academically but in their professional pursuits. This coming academic year students will be traveling to Oregon to visit Nike and to the USOC again this year.