The NAADD Executive Committee has announced that applications for its mentor program are now being accepted. One of the Executive Committee's goals is to maximize the inclusion of all athletics fundraising personnel, by creating an opportunity for NAADD members to develop a mentor-mentee relationship with a member of the NAADD Executive Committee.
Bobby Purcell has served in a number of capacities since joining the NC State athletics department in 1981. He was Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club from 1991 until he retired in 2020 and in July of 2020, he was named a Special Assistant to Athletics Director Boo Corrigan. Purcell has been a champion for mentoring fundraisers on his campus and around the nation his entire career. Purcell's influence is widespread in college athletics, as 26 former staff members serve at other universities, including 1Â athletic director: Jimmy Bass at UNC-Wilmington. This continued focus on broadening the learning opportunities for the entire membership will allow our organization and our campuses to draw on the power of fresh ideas and perspectives. Purcell served as NAADD President in 2004-05, and was named the 2007 NAADD Fundraiser of the Year and 2014 NAADD Lifetime Achievement honoree.
"As a NACDA/NAADD Intern, I had the privilege of meeting Bobby Purcell early in my development career. Bobby has been a tremendous mentor to me especially through my transition from university to athletics fundraising at UNC - Chapel Hill." said Emily Stevens, Bobby Purcell Mentor Program 2023-24 participant and current Major Gifts Director, The Rams Club at UNC - Chapel Hill. "In a full circle moment, I am honored to be paired in the Bobby Purcell Mentor Program with Scarlett Schneider, PhD at Georgetown Athletics.  Scarlett has become more than a mentor; she is a life coach and friend. Thank you to The Rams Club, NACDA, NAADD Executive Committee, my fellow NAADD intern Jason Galaska, Bobby, and Scarlett for investing in me."
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"My experience as a mentee in the Bobby Purcell Mentorship Program has been tremendous," said Michael Pineda-O'Donnell, Bobby Purcell Mentor Program 2023-24 participant and current Director of Development, Major Gifts at the University of Pittsburgh. "Dan Cloran and the entire athletics development staff at Ohio State gave me invaluable time to connect, learn and grow. As I continue to move forward in my career in College Athletics I will point to this experience as a pivotal moment. Thank you to the NAADD Leadership and Community for providing professional development second to none."
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CLICK HEREÂ to apply for the 2024Â Bobby Purcell Mentor Program.
Objective:Â Create an opportunity for NAADD members to develop a mentor-mentee relationship with a member of the NAADD Executive Committee to learn more about the development profession and to broaden his/her network. The mentor program will consist of a campus visit to the Executive Committee member's institution, regular "check-ins" throughout the year and one on one interaction at the NAADD Convention.
Eligibility: Open to NAADD members that have a minimum of 5 years full time experience in an intercollegiate athletics department. Those individuals working in other areas of athletics – i.e. Sports info, Marketing, etc. are eligible as long as they are current NAADD members.
Stipend: Each winner will receive $2,500 to use between the 2024 NAADD convention and expenses related to the on-campus visit with their mentor.
To be considered for the Bobby Purcell Mentor Program, applications must be submitted by Friday, March 1.
Questions regarding the program application can be directed to Cam Trudell (
ctrudell@nacda.com) in the NACDAÂ Office.
About NAADD:Â NAADD is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics development and fund raising. For more information about NAADD, please visit www.naadd.com. NAADD is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 59
th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
