Joe Karlgaard, Ph.D.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Department of Athletics and Physical Education! As we come to the end of a successful 2005 for Oberlin, I'd like to share with you some of my thoughts from my time on campus.

As you may know, I was recently appointed the Acting Delta Lodge Director of Athletics and Physical Education. After 13 months at Oberlin as an assistant athletic director, I was given the tremendous opportunity to succeed my mentor, Vin Lananna, as the leader of this department. I have really enjoyed my time at Oberlin, and I continue to be excited by Oberlin's potential to do great things in athletics and physical education.

Oberlin understands the value of athletics, physical fitness, and wellness as part of a truly great liberal arts education. With the support of our Board of Trustees, President Dye, Provost MacKay, and Oberlin's senior administration, faculty, staff, and scholar-athletes, the department has made great strides in building upon the College's tradition of excellence. Our coaches and staff have put their energies into recruiting talented athletes who value scholarship and appreciate the ideals of this institution. We are implementing creative approaches to teaching and are improving our physical education opportunities. In coordination with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, we are working aggressively to connect the alumni and friends of Oberlin with the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. Most importantly, however, we are making these strides with great integrity while serving the mission of the College.

As we work together through the remainder of this academic year, I hope to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can partner together for the benefit of this tremendous institution. I appreciate your input and look forward to meeting many of you in person over the next several months.

Perhaps no time better embodies the spirit and character of Oberlin athletics than our Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony during Commencement Weekend. Please save the dates of May 25-27, 2006, to experience our Senior Scholar-Athlete Awards Luncheon and the Heisman Club golf outing, Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and breakfast meeting. We will be sending out more information in the next several weeks.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season. From the Department of Athletics and Physical Education, best wishes for 2006!

Joe Karlgaard
Delta Lodge Director of Athletics and Physical Education

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