As the Director of Athletics of Manhattan College my foundation is based on the cornerstones of good character development: integrity, ethics, leadership, responsibility, and unconditional acceptance of others. I enjoy teaching and facilitating each of these abilities within my role as Director of Athletics. It is important to me that the student athletes, coaches and staff enjoy athletics as an outgrowth of who they are in the world -- and that they also become more willing to give of themselves in service to the community.My athletic philosophy has also been an outgrowth of my early days spent engaging in many types of sports and recreation, from street games to organized sports. Participating in organized athletics was a bridge to building self-confidence and developing close relationships. These activities taught me sportsmanship and discipline; helped me to be able to accept defeat with poise and to be an equally compassionate winner, while molding my work ethic and nurturing my passion for athletics.I believe that integrating athletics within the mission of the institution has many benefits. I have developed a holistic approach, so I am mindful not just of wins and losses, but also of a balance with solid academics, character, leadership, sportsmanship and good citizenship. I practice an open door policy for student athletes and coaches because it fosters good will, a sense of support and keeps the lines of communication open. I also encourage team coaches to adopt this policy. In addition, when the coaching staff mirrors the ethnic and gender diversity of the student athletes, it creates better communication and camaraderie between them. My passion is to continue to inspire our student-athletes so they will receive a good experience and develop relationships within the community therefore permitting them to grow as good citizens through academics, athletics and good sportsmanship.