The 2009 NACWAA National Convention has come to a close! We had a great final day of programming beginning with a great NACWAA Fit session at 6:30am. Our morning plenary session, presented by Joni Comstock of the NCAA, touched on the impact that Myles Brand had on intercollegiate athletics and continued with a discussion of the search process for his successor. She also discussed the review of NCAA programming that the NCAA is currently engaging in to ensure that they are being fiscally responsible. Jim Hundrieser then spoke to the attendees about the Millennial Generation and the challenges that athletic departments face trying to integrate members of all ages.

Over lunch, our attendees split into divisional groups to discuss pertinent topics facing each division. Division III discussed personnel review processes and Division II focused on the vision and mission of their schools and Division I featured a discussion with Bernadette McGlade and Karl Benson. After the divisional breakouts the last three professional development sessions were held. Topics included: Web Streaming with Bruce LeVine from B2 Networks, Landing the Big Job/High Profile Coach with Chris Plonsky, Bill Carr and Chuck Neinas and The First Job Years with Jen Fried, Ann-Marie Guglieri, Jennifer Thomas and Felicia Prater. For the first time in National Convention history, NACWAA web streamed one of its sessions. B2 Networks generously broadcasted the Young Professionals session at 4:00pm.

The day continued with the Administrator of the Year Dinner, honoring the following award winners: Kay Yow (Award of Distinction), Grace Calhoun (Nell Jackson), Noreen Morris (FBS), Jacqueline Blackett (FCS), Kathy Klein (Division I), Deborah Chin (Division II), Kim Chandler (Division III), Norma Carr (Community College), Christine Hoyles (Conference), Nike (Honor Award). The Administrator of the Year Dinner was also broadcast by B2 Networks at 8:00pm.

The night came to a close with the 30^th Anniversary Celebration Party featuring the musical stylings of Denver’s own, Lannie Garrett. The Big Prize was also drawn at the end of the night. The Big Prize consisted of registration fee and travel and hotel expenses for the 2010 National Convention. Lynne Levesque of Brookhaven Community College won the prize!

Thank you to all of the participants who made the 30^th Anniversary National Convention a huge success! We’ll see you next year in Fort Worth for the 2010 NACWAA Convention!