Arcadia’s student-athletes aren’t just leaders on the field. They also take pride in helping to foster a positive environment for student-athletes through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which formed and elected officers at the end of September.

“The Arcadia University SAAC is made up of 23 student-athletes from 12 teams. These student-athletes were chosen by their coaches for their leadership, good attitude and commitment to making Arcadia athletics better. The group meets once a month and forms community service events and fundraising projects as well as discussing on-campus athletic event improvements and more,” says adviser Lorie Khalil, Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

“Arcadia demands a lot of our student-athletes: commitment to their academics and commitment to their sport. I am very impressed by the energy and enthusiasm our students give to both. I am all the more impressed by those students who step up into leadership roles to represent their colleagues here on campus and our University in the NCAA. I am proud of them and happy to support them in any way that I can,” says President Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III.

Arcadia just hired its first full-time strength and conditioning coach to work with student-athletes, and President Oxholm—a frequent (and loud) fan at intercollegiate games—has often expressed his support for Arcadia’s coaches and athletic programs. “More is on the way,” he has promised.

The Arcadia University 2011-2012 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee officers are: Co-Presidents – Amy Lupfer (Women’s Soccer) and Eric Elie (Tennis); Co-Vice Presidents – Kayla Kroll (Swimming) and Marc Gottfried (Baseball); Treasurer – Rachel Dolly (Women’s Soccer); Secretary – Christie Kershaw (Women’s Basketball); and Events Chair – Chrissy Taylor (Women’s Basketball).

Active members include Haylee Molloy, Jaclyn Feffer, Deanna Thompson (Women’s Lacrosse); Lynn Beatty (Field Hockey); Jose Figueroa, Mike Fitzpatrick (Men’s Basketball); Herminio Quinones (Tennis); Spencer Lalk, Alex Miller (Men’s Soccer); Megan Gillespie, Beth Osipowitz (Tennis); Corrin Showalter, Amanda Tomaschek (Softball); Jerry Smith (Baseball); and Hayleigh Barger, Jessica Stoler (Volleyball).

SAAC is a committee of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The mission of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenants of the Division III philosophy.