MOBILE, Ala. – At the retirement reception for Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann on Wednesday, May 27, USA President Jo Bonner and Executive Vice President and Provost Andi M. Kent, Ph.D., announced that the Athletic Administration Building will be named the Joel W. Erdmann Athletic Facility to honor the career and legacy of Dr. Erdmann.
Dr. Erdmann, who announced his plans to retire in April, officially concluded his tenure with the University on May 31.
"How do you recognize and acknowledge not just the years and not just the awards and recognition, but how do you recognize someone whose very life epitomizes what this University at 63 years of age has been able to accomplish?," said President Bonner. "When you think back to all those years of what President Whiddon, President Moulton and President Waldrop, and the other athletic directors and so many of the other people who have helped build this university to what it is today, it is hard to say that there is one person that has been able to achieve more than Joel W. Erdmann."
In conjunction with the University's Where Bold Begins campaign, South Alabama Athletics invites Jaguar fans and supporters to celebrate Dr. Erdmann's nearly two decades of leadership, vision, integrity and loyalty by making a gift of any amount to the Loyal, Strong & Faithful Fund, or the newly-created Joel and Tina Erdmann Scholarship Fund. Gifts of $2,500 or more will receive recognition on a plaque in the newly named Joel W. Erdmann Athletic Facility.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students- not only that we have today, but the thousands you have impacted throughout your career, and most especially the last 17 years here at the University of South Alabama, we want to say thank you and we love you, Dr. Erdmann," said Dr. Kent. "May your name and legacy live on forever at the University of South Alabama."
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