RAMS WIN UMASS PRISM AWARD
VCU honored for its professionalism, results, & innovation in sport management
2-1-06

AMHERST, Mass. – Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Athletics has been named the recipient of the inaugural College PRISM Awards.  The Rams, who are being recognized for their professionalism, results, and innovation in sport management, will be presented with the award during the men’s basketball against CAA rival Old Dominion, Feb. 11 at the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

This is the first year that the PRISM Awards have been presented at the collegiate level. The PRISM Award (Professionalism, Results and Innovation in Sport Management) acknowledges colleges and universities for managerial excellence across five areas: 1) Advancement and Management of Constituent Relationships; 2) Student-Athlete Development; 3) Fundraising/Development Strategies, 4) Innovative Marketing and 5) Employee Development.

“I think winning this award speaks volumes about our staff and university and the commitment to excellence,” explained VCU’s Director of Athletics Dr. Richard L. Sander. “Many people have worked hard, including our coaches and athletes, to not only put a great product on the field but also to represent VCU with class and dignity.  We are thrilled to win as it makes all the hard work even that much more rewarding.  Being in the company of the other PRISM Award winners makes us extremely proud.”

VCU’s most notable highlights include its Rams Assisting Youth (RAY) Program, Lobs & Lessons, and its recently launched “Building Pride.  One Victory at a Time.” branding campaign. The campaign was derived from a fan market research study conducted by InZone Market Research.  InZone was founded by Sander and is presently managed by the VCU SportsCenter.

VCU won the award for the NCAA Division I-AA/AAA level, while The University of Maryland won the award at the Division I-A level.

“Both the University of Maryland and Virginia Commonwealth University distinguished themselves in each of the categories that define the PRISM ideals,” said UMass PRISM Program Director Steve McKelvey. “Both universities are a testament to the level of collegiate sport management expertise and innovation that collegiate athletic programs should aspire to.”