Pioneer Perspectives
4/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
April 13, 2007
As we continue our growth towards One DU, there is no question that our people will be the difference in our success. Our expertise, engagement and support of each other will prove to be true difference makers.
To increase our global knowledge of our staff functions and backgrounds, each month we will spotlight business units by area. First up: a spotlight on the marketing/media responsibility center. Over the past year, the marketing/media department has continued its evolution by merging branding, media relations, and recreation marketing with its existing ticketing, advertising, game day sponsorship and in-event/promotions functions. Their shared charge is to deliver an integrated message, experience and product to our clients and effectively share the DU story.
Without further adieu, I would like to introduce or Marketing/Media Team:
Dave Madsen
Dave begins his seventh season leading the marketing/media team. A dual alumnus of DU, Madsen returned to his alma mater after a nine year career in licensing, merchandising, sales and marketing at the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club. As part of his One DU efforts, Dave is responsible for delivering an integrated and cohesive marketing and media message for the division that enhances the DU brand.
Lisa Bridges
Lisa joined the team this year and provides exceptional support and an ever-present positive attitude to the marketing and media team in addition to supporting the women's basketball and hockey programs.
Angel Field
Angel begins her sixth season as a Pioneer. Angel's career includes both minor league sports and professional sports experience. In addition to managing all aspects of the in-event production at Pioneer athletic events, Angel manages the pep band, mascot and cheer program for the division.
Molly Meehan
Molly joined us as the Manager of Promotions and In-Event this past season and brings with her great in-game production experience from her three years at Pepsi Center. Her experience also includes editing and production work.
Angel and Molly wear many hats for the division, from lending their expertise to events such as the golf tournament and Hall of Fame, to developing strategic relationships across campus, promotions and in-events. They embody the spirit of One DU's cooperation and attitude.
Matt Evans
After working in the corporate sector and the National Basketball League, Matt chose Denver to expand his career to include the college ranks. This season marks Matt's fifth year at DU. His responsibilities include all aspects of the ticket sales and operations including season tickets, premium seating, group sales and box office operations- including Pioneer Athletic events and select NCAA events hosted by DU.
Chris Wiegand
Chris is the Box Office Manager and enters his seventh season at DU. With a diverse background that includes graphic design and ticket operations experience, Wiegand's duties also include concerts in addition to athletic events.
Cindi Nagai
Cindi enters her ninth season at Denver and manages the premium seating operations for hockey and lacrosse as well as ticket sales for select sports after assisting the division in multiple capacities in her nine year Pioneer career.
Dan Wesolowski
Dan joined the Pioneers from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of minor league baseball and manages group and season ticket sales for the division. Dan's efforts have expanded a successful group sales program that includes clinics, special events and youth competitions.
Ticketing continues to service the One DU initiative by successfully balancing the needs of athletic events and outside events while delivering exceptional customer service to all Ritchie Center patrons.
Jeremy Decker
Jeremy's client and agency experience has brought a tremendous level of sophistication to our marketing and advertising efforts. Decker enters his fifth season and has assumed branding and recreation marketing responsibilities to his athletic marketing and game day sponsorship duties.
Dragos Visan
Joining Decker on his team is Dragos Visan. Dragos enters his third year at DU and brings tremendous technical knowledge that have driven the websites, newsletters and enhanced communication and project management.
The integrated athletic and recreation marketing responsibilities and the branding initiatives are perfect examples of the shared One DU vision.
Erich Bacher
After gaining international sports experience by working the Salt Lake City Olympic Games, Erich resumed his college sports career when he arrive at DU in 2002. Bacher's responsibilities include the media relations department management which consist of media and statistical support for the sport programs as well as publications and website management for the division. This marks Erich's sixth year at DU and his second leading the department.
Derek Nagy
Derek begins his seventh year and continues to take the lead on the web site administration and media day in addition to his assigned sport program responsibilities. Derek's efforts have paid dividends in the form of increased exposure for the gymnastics program.
Mike Kennedy
Mike joins us after eight years at the Colorado Rockies and brings a wealth of publications management to the department in addition to his media relations knowledge. The former Jayhawk leads our men's basketball media efforts in addition to supporting multiple sport programs.
Celya McCullah
Celya joined us this past fall after an action-packed career that included Cornell, ESPN, and Tulsa and has brought with her a great blend of collegiate and media experience to the Pioneer family. Celya won a sports Emmy for her work as a SportsCenter producer.
Media Relations continues its One DU contributions by centralizing the photography and publication functions for the division as well as providing a tremendous resource for our broadcasting and webcasting initiatives.
We've enjoyed a great year of activities within the Division of Athletics and Recreation. The marketing/media department has done a great job of moving our business forward and pioneering the spirit of a true One DU.
Many Thanks to our countless volunteers and staff!
DU has been the host institution for two key NCAA Regional events this year. The Men's Ice Hockey West Regional was held in Denver on March 24-25 and, with the strong assistance of our staff, showcased a new NCAA regional attendance record. The NCAA North Central Gymnastics returned to Magness Arena for the first time in six years on April 14.
Both marquee events bring tremendous exposure for the sport programs and DU as a host institution. This would not be possible without the help of countless staff and volunteers who selflessly gave of their time. Thanks for your donation of time and energy and for your continued commitment to showcase the true Pioneer spirit!
