Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/856195
FROM THE DESK OF JIM SCHMIDT As I depart UIC Athletics after 36 years, I have so many fond memories and relationships that will always be cherished. This past year has been an extra special one with three teams (men's soccer, softball and baseball) and several individuals across various sports making NCAA postseason appearances. Additionally, we saw record achievement by our student-athletes in the classroom. So many donors, sponsors and dedicated alumni have fueled this program over the years and in these difficult economic times of our state, their passion and support has been outstanding. The financial assistance from a record number of donors has made possible so many initiatives and scholarship needs and has helped offset the challenges from the state of Illinois. JIM SCHMIDT RETIRES AS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Following 22 years of outstanding service as Director of Athletics at UIC, Jim Schmidt officially retired on July 31, 2017. Highlights of his leadership include a total of 60 conference championships and appearances in 51 NCAA Tournaments. Schmidt was responsible for expanding UIC's sport offerings to include women's golf in 2010 and women's soccer in 2012. Academic success has been a consistent focus under Schmidt's guidance and this is most recently reflected by the UIC student- athletes posting a collective grade-point-average of 3.15 in Spring 2017, the highest in the history of UIC Athletics. Thirteen teams registered a mark above a 3.0 and 194 student-athletes were at, or above a 3.0 GPA, with 55 at 4.0. Fundraising efforts under Schmidt have resulted in new and improved facilities, including new team rooms for all sports, Curtis Granderson Stadium, new tennis courts and soccer fields. He spearheaded $7 million in improvements and upgrades to the UIC Pavilion and UIC opened the $11 million Flames Athletic Center, the daily hub of operations for the department, in 1997. "On behalf of the entire UIC community, we are incredibly thankful for the service that Jim Schmidt has provided to this University for more than three decades. He fostered the growth of our athletic teams through the Division I era, while guiding a department that has prospered in three critical areas: the classroom, the community, and competition." - UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis A special thank you to Bill Merchantz for acting as Chair of the Athletic Development Board. With the assistance from this loyal group of volunteers, UIC Athletics has exceeded expectations and broken records in fundraising with both golf events and private giving. Moving forward I can only envision great success for our student-athletes. Our excellent coaches will continue to bring elite athletes and scholars to UIC. Winning will always be a priority but continuing with a tradition of excellent graduation rates will be the standard for the program. Many thanks to all of you who have touched this program over my many years! As Always, Go Flames!