The University Speaker Series will cross the state to bring national conversations about collegiate athletics to campus communities around Indiana. Each of these free, ticketed events (in-person and virtual) will include thought leadership and conversations providing in-depth knowledge on issues and opportunities in college athletics. The University Speaker Series will make stops at Butler University, Indiana University, The University of Notre Dame and Purdue University, and will include discussions ranging from culture and diversity in athletics to player safety in the game. Register today and be part of the conversation.
Location: Notre Dame University, Jordan Hall of Science
Keynote Speaker: Jack Swarbrick
Event Details
10/23 Notre Dame University:
CELEBRATING CULTURE AND DIVERSITY IN NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS
This event is part of Notre Dame’s ‘Ask Jack’ series where Jack Swarbrick, Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics, provides exclusive insight into the day-to-day operations of the Fighting Irish alongside visions for the future of collegiate athletics. This particular iteration will dig into the topic of celebrating culture and diversity in Notre Dame athletics, where Swarbrick has long been an advocate and leader in this space. In conjunction with Notre Dame student athletes, he spearheaded the Stand Together movement, an equality initiative developed to both create change locally and be a catalyst for change nationally as it relates to social justice. While this in-person event is limited to invite only, the general public are invited to be a part of the conversation by tuning in online.
Location: Indiana University, Henke Hall of Champions in Memorial Stadium
Panelists: Courtney Cronin, Jessica Parratto, Lilly King, Teri Moren
Event Details
11/3 Indiana University:
PIONEERING WOMEN IN ATHLETICS
In August, 2021 Indiana University launched its Athletics Women's Excellence Initiative, a fundraising effort designed to elevate IU’s 13 women's varsity sports and to enhance the overall student-athlete experience of nearly 350 female student-athletes. This dynamic panel will feature IU alumnae Olympic medalist swimmer and world record holder, Lilly King, Olympic medalist diver, Jessica Parratto and ESPN anchor for the Minnesota Vikings, Courtney Cronin. Also joining the discussion is Teri Moren, IU Women's Basketball Head Coach and member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will highlight the advancement of women’s athletics, work being done to inspire the next generation of female athletes and celebrate the ground-breaking successes accomplished by pioneer student-athletes and coaches.
Location: Purdue University, Shively Club at the Pavilion at Ross-Ade Stadium
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Eric Nauman
Event Details
11/4 Purdue University:
ENGINEERING IN SPORTS - BREAKTHROUGHS IN BIOMECHANICS
This event will take an academic spin and detailed analysis approach to uncover the work and research Purdue University is doing to minimize the risk of injury and improve sports performance. Leading the conversation will be Dr. Eric Nauman, professor of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Basic Medical Sciences at Purdue University and the director of the Human Injury Research and Regenerative Technologies (HIRRT) laboratory. Dr. Nauman and his students explore the mechanisms by which tissues sustain damage and develop methods to protect, repair, and regenerate traumatized organs. Dr. Nauman’s presentation will include empirical data that demonstrates how his research can help create football helmet technology that will reduce concussion incidences and help improve athlete safety. Participants will also have a chance to hear from Purdue University’s Vice President - Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski.
Location: Butler University, Clowes Memorial Hall
Keynote Speaker: Kalen Jackson, Susan Baughman, Chris Gahl, Barry Collier
Event Details
11/17 Butler University:
THE COMMUNITY OF SPORTS IN INDY
In 2010 and 2011 Butler University athletics took center stage in the NCAA men’s basketball finals, elevating the university to the national spotlight. A decade later, Butler is still benefiting from the positive impact on its athletic programs, enrollment, student activity and overall brand awareness. This lively discussion will provide an inside glimpse of how the business of sports has transformed not only Butler, but also the City of Indianapolis over the years. The panel will include insight from executives of Butler, the Indianapolis Colts, Visit Indy, and the 2022 Indy College Football Playoff.
