Indiana University Athletics
IU Announces Formation of I Association
1/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 24, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana University Alumni Association, in conjunction with the IU Department of Athletics, has elected to merge the I-Men's and I-Women's Associations into the I Association, effective Jan. 1, 2007.
"There are several reasons for this merger," IU Alumni Association President and CEO Ken Beckley said. "Gender-based associations for athlete alumni at Indiana University are no longer necessary. Our belief is that one merged association, served by female and male volunteer leaders and serving all athlete alumni, will provide more programming and more event opportunities than was possible by both of the current groups combined. The new association will ensure that all sports are served well in the future."
The mission of I Association will remain consistent with the goals of the previous two institutions, as I Association will, according to the group's mission statement, "promote alumni activities, which might assist Indiana University, the Indiana University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Indiana University Athletics Committee."
"I believe this merger represents the consolidation of two great associations into one that will emerge even stronger," said IU Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan. "That strength will no doubt provide great benefits to IU student-athletes and coaches in the future."
The respective former institutions voted to merge during their respective Fall, 2006, board meetings, and the IUAA Executive Council approved the merger on Dec. 8, 2006. A new constitution and bylaws have been written and a new slate of officers and board of directors have been recommended for approval. The I-Men's Association was formed in 1913 and the I-Women's Association was formed in 1989. While these two IUAA affiliate groups remained strong though the years, the Alumni Association felt that one group rather than two would bring even greater strength to the collective.
Individuals that have earned an official athletic letter as recommended by their varsity coach at IU and approved by the Athletics Committee are eligible to become dues-paying members of the I Association. For more information about the I Association, please contact IU Alumni Association Director of Special Services and International Alumni Chapters Karl Zacker at 812-855-0981 or at kzacker@indiana.edu.
