The IU Southeast Athletic Department made a significant announcement today regarding its efforts to welcome former student-athletes back to the New Albany campus. Earlier today, IU Southeast Athletic Director Joe Glover announced the formal creation of an alumni organization for former Grenadier student-athletes. Named the Champions Club, this new group has been established for the sole purpose of reconnecting former IU Southeast student-athletes with the University and its athletic program.
“As I announced at last year’s Champions Dinner, one of my main goals for this year was to make significant strides in the process of reengaging our athletic alumni,” Glover said. “Our former student-athletes have meant so much to the success of this athletic department and university. It is my hope that all of our former student-athletes will join this organization. We must do a better job at keeping our athletic alumni connected to their alma mater, and I believe that this club will be an excellent first step.”
The IU Southeast intercollegiate athletic program can be traced to the late 1960’s. Teams representing IU Southeast, mostly men’s basketball, played in various city recreational leagues and against independent teams, industrial teams, and some local business colleges. Since that time, IU Southeast Athletics has grown into a well-respected program in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Currently IU Southeast fields seven varsity athletic programs, a nationally competitive cheerleading program and even an athletic pep band.
“It is now estimated that over 5,000 student-athletes have represented IU Southeast in competition since our program’s inception,” said Glover. “Today, our community is full of successful leaders, educators, attorneys, coaches, and doctors who all wore an IU Southeast uniform at one time. We need to welcome these athletic alumni back home and we must celebrate their accomplishments that have allowed this program to continue to grow and evolve. We have so much to be proud of here at IU Southeast.”
A recruiting process is currently underway to install the club’s first board of directors. The club’s charter is still being finalized with additional input needed from athletic alumni. One charge the club will have is to annually nominate athletic alumni for special recognition at the department’s Champions Dinner held each August.
“Former Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Jim Morris and I have had many conversations regarding the establishment of this club,” Glover said. “It is our sincere hope that former Grenadier student-athletes will join this organization and return to campus to reminisce about their days playing collegiate athletics.”
Membership Eligibility
Any person who has ever participated in varsity athletics (or as a cheerleader, dance team member, or athletic pep-band member) while attending IU Southeast is eligible for full membership.
There will be no membership dues for this Club.
All members are encouraged to participate in the Champion’s Club by volunteering to serve on the group’s Board of Directors, by encouraging fellow alumni to join the club, and by nominating an outstanding Grenadier Alumni for special recognition at next year’s Champions Dinner.
Visit the Champions Club website for more information and to become a member.
If you are interested in serving on the board of directors, please contact Athletic Director Joe Glover at joglover@iu.edu or by calling the athletic department at 941-2432.