May 1, 2002

University Board of Trustees Meets With Student-Athletes

Vince Nicastro, Director of Athletics "I thank Karen, Jamison, Justin and Laura for taking the time to share their Villanova experience with our Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees. Everyone on the committee was very impressed with how bright, articulate, and thoughtful they all were. As alums and board members, it makes them proud to see our students representing Villanova so well."

Jamison Young, Junior, Football & Baseball "I felt that the meeting was very interesting and actually fun. At first I thought it was going to be more formal and I didn't the meeting would be so interactive. The members of the board were very open and I felt that it was an informative meeting for both the trustees, but also me as a student-athlete. Thanks again for picking me it was a great experience."

Justin Buland, Junior, Swimming "I thought is was a valuable experience to speak with the board of trustees. I was very excited to share my experiences as a student-athlete with them. All of the members of the board were very receptive to all of our comments and ideas. The board seems very interested in making the Villanova athletics experience competitive and enjoyable for all involved."

Laura Johnson, Fresmen, Women's Soccer "It was a great experience for me to be able to meet such professional and approachable people. Being only a freshman, I gained valuable experience that I can take with me through my next 3 years here at Villanova. It was such an honor to represent the Women's Soccer team as well as the entire student-athlete body in front of such a warm and caring group of people. A big thank you to Mr. Nicastro and Mrs. Dowling for selecting me and I hope my suggestions can help make Villanova even better."

Karen Niwinski, Senior, Softball "I was honored to be able to talk to the board of trustees. It felt like we were having a conversation because they were so easy to talk to and so interested, rather than having that interview feeling. Everyone was into the conversation and it was ideal because we all had similar but slightly different experiences, so I think we managed to span an array of different areas of concern and interest. Not only was it beneficial to the board, but I know it was beneficial to myself because I learned a lot about other sports through the other athletes in attendance."