Northwestern University Athletics
Positively Dr. Gragg - February 2023
2/10/2023 11:39:00 AM | General
Wildcats,
Being with so many of you this week during our All-Staff Meeting was invigorating because every speaker – from student-athletes to staff - grounds me in the simple belief that our people are our culture, and vice versa.
The way that we collectively define our identity (Who are we?) helps to inform our values (What is important to us?) which underpin our habits (What do we put time/energy into?) and ultimately build the foundation of our beliefs (What do we stand for?) as members of this incredible community. This is on display each and every day in how we serve our student-athletes and other constituent groups.
One area that has long been important to Northwestern Athletics & Recreation is building a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive, family of Wildcats. This is not only a moral imperative, but a competitive advantage, as assembling a team (and staff) of varied perspectives, experiences and talents, and supporting those people to be at their best, is our edge over institutions.
February, during Black History Month, is an opportunity for us to recognize many pillars of Northwestern's story who did not enjoy the benefits of this comprehensive support during their time in Evanston. Trailblazers like Dee Todd, Dennis Green, Billy McKinney, Anucha Browne, George Jewett, and Horace MacDougall, who had to battle internal and external forces pushing against their progress. By proactively and intentionally building an inclusive NUDAR culture, we are creating an environment where our students of today might be celebrated as heroes of the future for their contributions in the classroom, in their communities and in competition.
February is a remarkably busy month for all of us, as winter teams prepare for a championship push, while our spring sports start journeys we hope will extend deep into May and even June. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our more than 500 student-athletes, it is seen and appreciated!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The reason you are here at this point in history is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill." - Chadwick Boseman
Being with so many of you this week during our All-Staff Meeting was invigorating because every speaker – from student-athletes to staff - grounds me in the simple belief that our people are our culture, and vice versa.
The way that we collectively define our identity (Who are we?) helps to inform our values (What is important to us?) which underpin our habits (What do we put time/energy into?) and ultimately build the foundation of our beliefs (What do we stand for?) as members of this incredible community. This is on display each and every day in how we serve our student-athletes and other constituent groups.
One area that has long been important to Northwestern Athletics & Recreation is building a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive, family of Wildcats. This is not only a moral imperative, but a competitive advantage, as assembling a team (and staff) of varied perspectives, experiences and talents, and supporting those people to be at their best, is our edge over institutions.
February, during Black History Month, is an opportunity for us to recognize many pillars of Northwestern's story who did not enjoy the benefits of this comprehensive support during their time in Evanston. Trailblazers like Dee Todd, Dennis Green, Billy McKinney, Anucha Browne, George Jewett, and Horace MacDougall, who had to battle internal and external forces pushing against their progress. By proactively and intentionally building an inclusive NUDAR culture, we are creating an environment where our students of today might be celebrated as heroes of the future for their contributions in the classroom, in their communities and in competition.
February is a remarkably busy month for all of us, as winter teams prepare for a championship push, while our spring sports start journeys we hope will extend deep into May and even June. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our more than 500 student-athletes, it is seen and appreciated!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The reason you are here at this point in history is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill." - Chadwick Boseman
Baseball - 'Cats Even Series with 7-6 Victory over Rutgers (5/15/26)
Friday, May 15
Lacrosse - NCAA Quarterfinals vs Colorado Postgame Press Conference
Thursday, May 14
Lacrosse - NCAA Tournament 2nd Round vs JMU Postgame Press Conference (5/10/26)
Sunday, May 10
Baseball - 'Cats Ground Redbirds in 7-1 Midweek Victory (5/5/26)
Tuesday, May 05
