Former Michigan University standout and NFL tight end, Jay Riemersma, to speak at 2nd Annual Champions of Character Town Hall Meeting at Cornerstone University (Mich.)

Community meeting will focus on the culture of sport

Posted on 09.10.07
Submitted by Mike Riemersma, Champions of Character Director, Cornerstone University

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -

On Monday, September 24, 2007, the Cornerstone University Champions of Character program will host a town hall meeting featuring Jay Riemersma, former University of Michigan standout and NFL tight end; Bruce Brown, NAIA special presenter; Rob Miller, NAIA Director of Champions of Character Initiatives; Kathy Vruggink Westdrop, Assistant Director, Michigan High School Athletic Association; Jim Haskins, O-K Conference Commissioner; Dave Grube, Cornerstone University Athletics Director; and Dr. Rex M. Rogers, Cornerstone University President.

The meeting will be held in the Hansen Athletic Center on Cornerstone University’s campus (1001 East Beltline Ave, NE) at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public free of charge.

“By having Jay, Kathy and Jim demonstrate their support of the Champions of Character program shows the importance, validity and even the commitment of CU toward changing the culture of sport,” said Mike Riemersma, Cornerstone University Champions of Character Director.

Dr. Rogers is expected to speak about Cornerstone’s involvement and support of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. There also will be an open forum following the presentations.

The NAIA developed the Champions of Character program in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly negative behavior by athletes, coaches, fans and parents, Champions of Character raises the standards for positive youth development in athletics and academics.

Local Michigan Champions of Character partners include: Grand Rapids Griffins (American Hockey League); Grand Rapids Rampage (Arena Football League); West Michigan White Caps (Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers); and the 51 high schools in the O-K Conference.

For additional information contact Mike Riemersma, Cornerstone University Champions of Character Director, at 616-254-1671.

-NAIA-

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.