Brandeis University named 2007 Jostens Institution of the Year
CAPE COD, Mass. - Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Commissioner Rudy Keeling announced today that Brandeis University has been selected as the recipient of the 2007 Jostens Institution of the Year award. The award is given annually to the ECAC institution that best exemplifies the highest standards of collegiate academics and athletic performance.
The award will be presented on Sunday, September 30, at the ECAC Convention Honors Dinner presented by Jostens at the Four Points by Sheraton Hyannis Resort. Presenting the award will be Jim Dougher, Jostens National Sports Manager and long-time supporter of the ECAC.
The Jostens Institution of the Year Awards is based annually on participation and success of an institution's athletic program in recognition of the following selection criteria:
- Documentation and confirmation of academic success by the institution's student athlete population.
- Number of institution's teams declaring and selected for participation in ECAC Championships.
- Number of institution's teams selected for NCAA championships participation.
- Institutional representation on ECAC selection and administrative committees.
- Enrollment and participation of athletic department staff at the previous year's ECAC convention.
- Enrollment in the ECAC's Officiating Payment Service.
- Number of athletic programs enrolled in the ECAC Officiating Assignment Bureaus.
- Number of ECAC championships hosted by an institution.
"This is a tremendous honor," Brandeis University Director of Athletics Sheryl Sousa commented. "The ECAC has held an important role in Brandeis athletics over the years, and we are proud to be a part of this respected organization. To be recognized for our success is a tribute to our dedicated staff of coaches and administrators."
Brandeis University is a member of the University Athletic Association (UAA), and offers 21 varsity sports to 3,304 undergraduate students. The 2006-07 year was one of the most successful for Brandeis, in particular with regard to the ECAC Championships, as four teams reached the semifinals in the ECAC Division III New England Championships.
The women's volleyball team, led by head coach Michelle Kim, captured its first ECAC title. The Judges were a perfect 10-0 at home during the season, and only lost one game in the process. Men's soccer head coach Mike Coven took his team to the ECAC tournament for the eighth time in 11 years, and finished the season by winning their second ECAC Championship. The men's epee squad won the institution's first-ever weapon championship at the Intercollegiate Fencing Association championships.
The women's soccer team reached the ECAC semifinals as coach Denise Dallamora became the 19th coach in Division III history to surpass the 200 victory milestone. The women's softball team also qualified for the ECAC championship in their region, and reached the 20-win mark for the second consecutive season.
Brandeis fielded quality men's and women's basketball teams during the 2006-07 season. The men appeared in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 30 years and advanced into the second round. The women also reached the second round of the NCAA tournament, after posting a fourth consecutive 20-win season.
Brandeis also had 156 student-athletes that earned University Athletic Association All-Academic accolades, and three student-athletes named to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District teams. The institution had its men's swimming and diving team, women's swimming and diving team, and men's cross country team honored for academics by their respective coaching associations as well.
About Jostens
Jostens was founded in 1897, and has since become a leader in providing products, programs, and services that help people celebrate important moments, recognize achievements, and build affiliations. Based in Minneapolis, Jostens produces yearbooks, class rings, graduation products, school photography, and products for athletic champions and their fans.
About the ECAC®
The ECAC is the nation's largest athletic and the only multi-divisional conference in the country with 321 Divisions I, II, and III colleges and universities. The ECAC stretches from Maine to Georgia and westerly to Illinois. Established in 1938, the ECAC, a non-profit service organization, sponsors 98 championships in 37 men's and women's sports and assigns more than 5,200 officials in 15 sports. The ECAC also administers 10 affiliate sports organizations and six playing leagues and through the public relations arm of the conference, more than 4,000 student-athletes in 21 sports are recognized. Finally, the ECAC serves as the primary conference for select members in the sports of men's and women's ice hockey, men's lacrosse, men's gymnastics, wrestling, fencing and rowing.
Past Jostens Institution of the Year Recipients:
1995 - Williams College
1996 - Princeton University
1997 - Middlebury College
1998 - Princeton University
1999 - Williams College
2000 - Georgetown University
2001 - Williams College
2002 - University of Maryland, College Park
2003 - Harvard University
2004 - Williams College
2005 - Keene State College
2006 - New York University
