Contact:
Terry Spicer
Director of Sports Media & Athletic Relations
(919) 719-1999
tspicer@shawu.edu

Shaw University Launches Historic Community Partnership
Garner Road YMCA; A Cornerstone of Southeast Raleigh

Raleigh, NC - (August 27, 2007) The "New Reality" of Shaw University Athletics continues its commitment to excellence and a world-class program. In an innovative and bold move, the University has aligned itself in a strategic partnership with the Garner Road YMCA located at 2235 Garner Road. A press conference was held on Friday, August 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the J.D. Lewis Multipurpose Center to announce this educational and athletic initiative.

This collaboration will broaden and increase initiatives for program development, diversity and facility usage for students and the University community. It will also serve as a catalyst for other community partners to align their efforts in this charge to the progress and well being of the community. Martel A. Perry, Executive Vice President of Shaw University stated, "Because we have created this exciting partnership of academic and athletic excellence, it is important that we work together to improve the total community experience and our student life. Shaw and the greater Raleigh community will benefit, become better civic stewards and look good."

Speakers for the press conference included Shambulia Gadsben-Sams, Shaw University SGA President and scholar; Paul Vandergrift, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs; Antonio Knox, Chairman, Garner Road YMCA Board of Directors; Larry Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Garner Road YMCA; Martel A. Perry, Executive Vice President, Shaw University and Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, 13th President of Shaw University. Ms. Gadsben-Sams stated, "This is very exciting for the student body of Shaw University. This will provide wonderful opportunities for our students to actively engage in and benefit from. I would like to thank the administration of Shaw University for their vision in giving us this amazing opportunity." Paul Vandergrift stated, "This is like coming home. I grew up here in the YMCA and it is directly responsible for many of the values that I have carried throughout my life. With this partnership, Student Affairs is now positioned to provide increased opportunities for student life here at Shaw University. This is a great day!" Larry Jones stated, "We are so happy to partner with Shaw University. Our Board of Directors under the leadership of Tony Knox has openly and collectively embraced this partnership and both of our organizations will forge ahead to produce incredible opportunities for the greater good." Tony Knox stated, "God is good. We can now meet the needs of the entire community. We welcome Shaw University with open arms."

Dr. Clarence G. Newsome smiled and nodded at the continuous flow of remarks. In his turn at the podium, he thanked the Garner Road YMCA Board of Directors; Dr. Priscilla Broady, Board of Trustee of Shaw University; students, alumni and faculty in attendance. He stated, "This is a wonderful, blessed and splendid day in the community. We are just beginning to break through. People should come, work, play, grow and be blessed together. It is so right to be in this partnership. We at Shaw have outgrown our facilities and now we are joining forces with an organization that has the beliefs to which we subscribe. The "C" in YMCA stands for Christian as greater things are yet to come; Community as our civic-minded responsibility; and Compassion in caring for our roots and community. To you our students, we are going to love and work you to life." He recognized Mr. Willis Daniels in the audience; father of one of his former classmates at Duke University, Billy Davis. Billy Davis was a mentor, co-athlete and personal leader to Dr. Newsome. A moment of silence was acknowledged in his memory.

Students in the audience acknowledged with humility and gratitude this partnership and what it will mean for them. Together with Dr. Newsome, Larry Jones announced that Shaw University has been chosen as the first historically black college or university to receive the establishment of the YMCA Professional Studies Program from the YMCA of the USA. This national appointment is historic and will allow the Allied Health Department of Shaw University to provide students an avenue to work towards their YMCA Senior Director Certification requirements. Students will be listed in YMCA publications nationally and regionally. In their letter of agreement, Susan Rittscher, Director of YMCA University of the YMCA of the USA stated, "We will continue to elevate the program and remain consistent with Shaw University's high academic standards and we believe that this will lead to an excellent program to educate future leaders in the Allied Health and YMCA professions." Dr. Gaddis Faulcon, Shaw University Faculty Athletic Representative, was instrumental in the acquisition of this incredible award. Congratulations!

As partners with the Garner Road YMCA, a joint strategic plan will be developed that will directly benefit each institution and the greater community-at-large. Shaw University is delighted to partner with Garner Road YMCA. The vision of academic and athletic excellence continues.


Shaw University Athletics: "A New Reality!"