Sept. 22, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi University graduate student, Danielle Parks (Galloway, N.J.), was named the first recipient of the Northeast-10 Institutional Minority Internship as announced by Northeast-10 Conference Commissioner Julie Ruppert.

"The Northeast-10 Conference is enthused at the prospect of encouraging recent graduates to enter the field of college athletics and our entire membership looks forward to working with Danielle Parks over the coming year," Ruppert stated.

As a means to support diversity throughout the conference, the Northeast-10 utilized a portion of the funding it receives from the NCAA Division II Conference Grant program. The NCAA grant monies directly support the five strategic positioning outcomes within the Division's strategic plan and the NE-10 implemented the new program as an initiative within SPO5 - Diversity and Inclusion. By underwriting the costs of a 10-month internship on one of its member campuses, the NE-10's goal is to increase the number and development of future administrators and coaches.

"We are appreciative of the Northeast-10 for providing this opportunity for Danielle," said Asst. VP/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Robert E. Hartwell. "I know that she will do an outstanding job. She has expressed great enthusiasm to assist Adelphi Athletics in her capacity as marketing and promotion intern."

Parks will be responsible for assisting with marketing and promotions for the Athletic Department. One key aspect of the internship will be overseeing the Panther Pride Rewards program, which is geared at increasing student fan attendance at home events. In just two weeks, she has signed up close to 300 students for the program. This will include assisting with game-day promotions, event management and some media relations as needed.

"From my experience, seeing minority administrators is rare. Getting this chance gives me confidence, knowing that I will be able to use this as a stepping stone to continue in athletics for hopefully a long and successful career."

Parks obtained her B.A. in Communications in 2009 and is currently pursing a master's in sports management. She was two-year starter on the Adelphi women's basketball team, transferring in from Holy Family. During her senior year, she led the team in three-point field goal percentage (37.5) and was second in assists (57).

As part of the internship, Parks will also receive a stipend to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar in January, 2010. "This is a great opportunity to network and to learn more about the world of sports culture and management," Parks added.