Northwestern University Athletics
Positively Dr. Gragg - May 2023
5/12/2023 11:01:00 AM | General
In this industry we are constantly reminded of our purpose and our promise...
Wildcats,
One of the most gratifying things about this job, and our industry, is the ever-constant reminder of our purpose and our promise. We have more than 500 student-athletes here representing our great University in the classroom, in the community and in competition, and all of them depend on us each day.
Part of our responsibility is to support their experience here at Northwestern and one area that we have invested extensively in over the last two years is the mental well-being of our Wildcats. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a great reminder to take care of ourselves and those around us. The last several years have impacted all of us in ways we recognize, and ways we can't even see. My perspective on how this applies to college students comes not just from years on campus as an administrator, but also as a father.
Northwestern has been a proud supporter of the Green Bandana Project for several years, and this year is no different. Student-athletes will have the opportunity to take part in the QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program and those who complete it will receive a lime-green bandana. The bandana signifies being an individual who is able and willing to provide a space for others to receive support and guidance on mental health resources. Students and staff who are not QPR trained can still support the Green Bandana Project initiative by signing the pledge in Nona Jo's and taking a lime-green wristband as a representation of your support.
In addition to supporting our student-athletes for the several years they are on campus, we have an even greater responsibility to do everything in our power to prepare them for everything that will come after graduation. To that end, last month I had the privilege to be present as we announced six new I-MAP Award winners through the Kabiller NU for Life Program. I-MAP is a week-long industry immersion program where the winners are paired with a mentor in their field of interest, gain first-hand experience, and expand their personal and professional network during the immersion program. The I-MAP honors are just a small part of what NU For Life provides in professional development for all of our student-athletes, an intentional, four-year curriculum designed to prepare them for the next 50 years of life.
Those of you who have worked at other colleges and universities understand that this type of developmental programming does not exist in many other places. The head-start that Northwestern student-athletes get on professional life after graduation is second-to-none, and something that we all should take great pride in. Next month, more than 100 Wildcats will participate in Commencement activities and, while some will remain on campus to conclude their competitive careers in 2023-24, many will move on to the next chapters of their lives. And because of the support and vision of alumni like David Kabiller, and the continuous investment of our staff, they will be prepared to handle future challenges in life long after they leave us.
While their competitive highlights are what garner the most attention, our student-athletes are certainly excelling in ALL areas. And they do so in large part because of the remarkable developmental support we are able to provide thanks to all of you. Things move so quickly around us that it can be challenging to stop and process all the amazing things that are happening, thus, I hope everyone can take a moment to reflect on all we have done TOGETHER!
I look forward to seeing so many of you at the home events we have left to enjoy here in Evanston this spring.
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch EXCELLENCE." – Vince Lombardi
One of the most gratifying things about this job, and our industry, is the ever-constant reminder of our purpose and our promise. We have more than 500 student-athletes here representing our great University in the classroom, in the community and in competition, and all of them depend on us each day.
Part of our responsibility is to support their experience here at Northwestern and one area that we have invested extensively in over the last two years is the mental well-being of our Wildcats. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a great reminder to take care of ourselves and those around us. The last several years have impacted all of us in ways we recognize, and ways we can't even see. My perspective on how this applies to college students comes not just from years on campus as an administrator, but also as a father.
Northwestern has been a proud supporter of the Green Bandana Project for several years, and this year is no different. Student-athletes will have the opportunity to take part in the QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program and those who complete it will receive a lime-green bandana. The bandana signifies being an individual who is able and willing to provide a space for others to receive support and guidance on mental health resources. Students and staff who are not QPR trained can still support the Green Bandana Project initiative by signing the pledge in Nona Jo's and taking a lime-green wristband as a representation of your support.
In addition to supporting our student-athletes for the several years they are on campus, we have an even greater responsibility to do everything in our power to prepare them for everything that will come after graduation. To that end, last month I had the privilege to be present as we announced six new I-MAP Award winners through the Kabiller NU for Life Program. I-MAP is a week-long industry immersion program where the winners are paired with a mentor in their field of interest, gain first-hand experience, and expand their personal and professional network during the immersion program. The I-MAP honors are just a small part of what NU For Life provides in professional development for all of our student-athletes, an intentional, four-year curriculum designed to prepare them for the next 50 years of life.
Those of you who have worked at other colleges and universities understand that this type of developmental programming does not exist in many other places. The head-start that Northwestern student-athletes get on professional life after graduation is second-to-none, and something that we all should take great pride in. Next month, more than 100 Wildcats will participate in Commencement activities and, while some will remain on campus to conclude their competitive careers in 2023-24, many will move on to the next chapters of their lives. And because of the support and vision of alumni like David Kabiller, and the continuous investment of our staff, they will be prepared to handle future challenges in life long after they leave us.
While their competitive highlights are what garner the most attention, our student-athletes are certainly excelling in ALL areas. And they do so in large part because of the remarkable developmental support we are able to provide thanks to all of you. Things move so quickly around us that it can be challenging to stop and process all the amazing things that are happening, thus, I hope everyone can take a moment to reflect on all we have done TOGETHER!
I look forward to seeing so many of you at the home events we have left to enjoy here in Evanston this spring.
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch EXCELLENCE." – Vince Lombardi
Baseball - Wildcats Run-Rule UIC, 15-4, in Midweek Matchup (4/8/26)
Thursday, April 09
Baseball - 'Cats Clinch Series with 8-6 Victory over MSU (4/5/26)
Sunday, April 05
Baseball - McElfatrick Walks off MSU to Even Series (4/4/26)
Saturday, April 04
Lacrosse - Northwestern Rolls Past USC 11-5 on Lacrosse Day in Chicago (4/04/26)
Saturday, April 04
