University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panther Alumni Share Insights at Legacy Night
3/26/2018 11:17:00 AM | Life Skills
Upperclassman student-athletes had the opportunity to connect with recent alumni student-athletes at the annual Legacy Night event, Monday, February 12, 2018. Held at the University Club on campus, the evening provided the opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the student-athlete population and for student-athletes to gain insights in several areas of their personal growth and development.
"We take great pride in having our alumni back on campus each academic year for this fantastic event with our senior student-athletes," said Lisa Auld, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Life. "From our alumni's wide range of experiences, our student-athletes are able to gain valuable insights and perspective on a number of important parts of the transition to life after intercollegiate athletics, ranging from the professional to the personal changes they will encounter."
The evening's primary focus was a panel discussion with six student-athlete alumni, all of whom graduated from Pitt within the last 15 years. The panel included Steve Dell (Football, 2010), Dontez Ford (Football, 2016), Matt Langton (Men's Soccer, 2008), Maria Nicholas (Volleyball, 2014), Lindsay Offutt (Gymnastics, 2016) and Morgan Perry (Track and Field, 2015). Facilitated by Director of Life Skills Jackson Martin, the panel spoke to how their experiences as a student-athlete helped them succeed in their career, how they channel their competitive spirit, and what they wished they had taken advantage of when they were a student-athlete, knowing what they know about their lives now.
"When I was on campus, that was something that we were always taught – that we were students before we were athletes," said volleyball alumna Maria Nicholas. "I think that really showed tonight because they are really taking their academics and what they want to do with the rest of their life seriously. It was great to see."
Student-athletes were able to take away a range of messages and things to focus on as they continue in their lives as Panthers, and as they transition to the next phase of life.
"To be able to hear from those student-athletes who not that long ago were exactly where we are was a really useful and impactful experience," said volleyball student-athlete Angela Seman. "There is a lot that comes with the transition into your new professional life after you graduate from college, and I think the conversation tonight really helped me get some unique perspectives on what I can do to maximize my remaining time here and what I can take into that next phase."
Initiated in 1995 as one of the pilot programs of the NCAA's Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills Program, the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program is committed to providing student-athletes an opportunity to prepare for success academically, athletically, and in their personal growth and development. To keep up with the program, follow @Pitt_LIFESKILLS on Twitter and Instagram.
"We take great pride in having our alumni back on campus each academic year for this fantastic event with our senior student-athletes," said Lisa Auld, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Life. "From our alumni's wide range of experiences, our student-athletes are able to gain valuable insights and perspective on a number of important parts of the transition to life after intercollegiate athletics, ranging from the professional to the personal changes they will encounter."
The evening's primary focus was a panel discussion with six student-athlete alumni, all of whom graduated from Pitt within the last 15 years. The panel included Steve Dell (Football, 2010), Dontez Ford (Football, 2016), Matt Langton (Men's Soccer, 2008), Maria Nicholas (Volleyball, 2014), Lindsay Offutt (Gymnastics, 2016) and Morgan Perry (Track and Field, 2015). Facilitated by Director of Life Skills Jackson Martin, the panel spoke to how their experiences as a student-athlete helped them succeed in their career, how they channel their competitive spirit, and what they wished they had taken advantage of when they were a student-athlete, knowing what they know about their lives now.
"When I was on campus, that was something that we were always taught – that we were students before we were athletes," said volleyball alumna Maria Nicholas. "I think that really showed tonight because they are really taking their academics and what they want to do with the rest of their life seriously. It was great to see."
Student-athletes were able to take away a range of messages and things to focus on as they continue in their lives as Panthers, and as they transition to the next phase of life.
"To be able to hear from those student-athletes who not that long ago were exactly where we are was a really useful and impactful experience," said volleyball student-athlete Angela Seman. "There is a lot that comes with the transition into your new professional life after you graduate from college, and I think the conversation tonight really helped me get some unique perspectives on what I can do to maximize my remaining time here and what I can take into that next phase."
Initiated in 1995 as one of the pilot programs of the NCAA's Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills Program, the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program is committed to providing student-athletes an opportunity to prepare for success academically, athletically, and in their personal growth and development. To keep up with the program, follow @Pitt_LIFESKILLS on Twitter and Instagram.
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