Assistant Commissioner Vaughn Calhoun Participates in NCAA Internship Orientation

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference's Assistant Commissioner Vaughn Calhoun participated in the Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Orientation at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 21 - July 23, 2009. Calhoun was accompanied by Commissioner Joe Walsh and Albertus Magnus Athletic Director Jennifer Pacelli. The orientation was organized by Kimberly Ford, NCAA Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion.  The Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Program is an important initiative that supports Division III's stated mission of its institutions and conferences supporting ethnic and gender diversity preparing individuals for full-time employment in a leadership role in athletics administration.

Calhoun spent the three day orientation program with 13 other interns representing Division III member schools and conferences. Each intern was accompanied by their respective supervisor and designated mentor. This served as the opportunity for all parties involved to engage in-depth discussions, group exercises, and gain perspectives from other institutions/conferences. The three day program was facilitated by Elizabeth Young and Bruce Gill of Inter-Change Consultants who have worked with this internship program since inception.

The orientation gave each intern the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities and participate in diversity training. "The three days in Indianapolis was amazing. I had the opportunity to learn, network, and receive some great training. The NCAA did an outstanding job in putting together a group of speakers and topics which allowed for effective group discussions and one-on-one dialogue," said Calhoun.