Sport Studies Association

1. Sport Studies Association February 2012 What is S.S.A.? The Sport Studies Association (S.S.A.) is a registered studentorganization whose members include undergraduate and graduate students interested in the sport studies field. The goal of S.S.A. is to provide members with opportunities for professional development through fundraising, service projects, invited speakers, field trips and networking. Soles 4 Souls Shoe Drive:ASuccess! Members of S.S.A. organized a shoe drive for the charity organization Soles 4 Souls during the fall semester. Soles 4 Souls is an organization that collects new and gently used shoes and then distributes them to people in the United States and throughout the world who are in need of footwear. This drive helped bring together members of this newly formed group and allowed them to practice some of the skills they will need in the workforce. Members constructed press releases, sought monetary donations, conducted television and newspaper interviews, organized workers to package and load the donated shoes, and used their connections with the athletics and recreation departments on campus to expand our collection efforts. The group’s hard work resulted in the Sport Studies Association collecting 460 pairs of shoes. Meet the Officers President: Alexa Callahan Alexa is a Senior majoring in Sport Administration. She has worked for a variety of athletic programs including Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball, Saluki Football and is currently the student manager for Saluki Softball. Alexa plans on attending law school beginning Fall 2013 with a concentration in Sports Law. External Vice President: Colin OttColin is a Senior studying Sport Administration. His long term goal is to become the General Manager of a professional sports organization. He plans on continuing his education in the fields of marketing and sports law. • Internal Vice President: T.J. AlfordT.J. is a Southern Illinois University graduate and is currently pursuing a Sports Studies Graduate degree. T.J. has worked as a Marketing and Promotions intern with the Southern Illinois Miners. He has also worked with Saluki Athletics as a Facilities and Operations intern and is currently a Ticketing intern.

2. Meet the Officers Treasurer: ShiangTsao • Shiang is an international graduate student from Taiwan, and majoring in Sport Studies.  Her major was physical education in the college. She was a P.E. teacher in high schools, and has worked for the World Games 2009 Organizing Committee. Shiang plans working for international sports organization or sports organization in Taiwan in the future. Secretary: JerodBathonJerod is a senior studying Sports Administration. He plans on searching for a job in the sports marketing field after graduation. He works in the equipment room for Saluki athletics. He is also very involved in intramural sports playing a variety of different sports. Membership: Alexandria Peters Alex is a first year graduate student in Kinesiology with a focus in Sports Studies. She is a former member of the Saluki Softball team and upon completing her degree she plans to start a career involving sports management and/or coaching. Sport Studies Association Facts: • The Sport Studies Association officially gained Registered Student Organization status in the Spring of 2010 • Undergraduate and graduate students interested in the field of sport studies are welcome to join the group • Membership dues are $10 per semester • Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month of the academic year • Members are required to complete at least three service hours a semester • Dr. Bobbi Knapp is the group’s faculty advisor • Speakers are invited to talk with group members about career options and work experience Next Meeting: Wednesday February 8th Davies Hall Conference Room Internet Sites Worth Checking Out: http://web.coehs.siu.edu/public/kines/index.htm Check out Sport Studies Association on Facebook. Contact Us: SSASIUC@siu.edu bknapp@siu.edu or acallahan@siu.edu