Post by rc on May 26, 2021 12:20:35 GMT -5
I just received this from the University. It exonerates the women’s basketball coach after a lengthy investigation.
I am sending you this special communication because of your many years of support to University of Detroit Mercy. Recently, the University received some adverse publicity regarding our Women’s Basketball Program and I would like to share some specific details. But before I provide that information, I want to emphasize that as a Jesuit, Mercy and Catholic institution, Detroit Mercy’s priority is the health and well-being of all of our students.
During the month, Detroit–area print media reported on some problems within our women’s basketball team that the University took very seriously. Very late on Sunday evening, January 17, parents of the women players sent a letter expressing their concerns to Athletic Director Robert Vowels. On the following day, which was the Martin Luther King holiday, the University and Mr. Vowels immediately established two comprehensive, independent investigations to examine the alleged claims and simultaneously identify ways to ensure the support of our more than 275 student-athletes. When the investigations were completed in mid-May, Coach AnnMarie Gilbert and Mr. Vowels met with journalists from The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News on May 19 to share the findings of the investigation and respond to their questions. While we would have liked to respond sooner to questions from the media, alumni and some Detroit Mercy community members, it was more important to allow the independent investigations to complete their work and provide facts and conclusions that allowed us to present completely informed answers.
As you may know by now, the results of the investigations determined that allegations about our Head Women’s Basketball Coach’s lack of concern to student health, safety and academic priorities were unfounded. Additionally, with respect to the lowest level infractions identified in the review, the Athletics Department has been in communication with the NCAA to address any concerns related to those items. Please know that we have confidence in our athletic department leadership and coaches and are committed to an athletics department that complies with all rules and regulations.
We care deeply about all of our students and also you; and we hope this letter will reinforce your trust and confidence in University of Detroit Mercy. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Arnold D'Ambrosio
Arnold D’Ambrosio
Vice President for University Advancement
University of Detroit Mercy
I am sending you this special communication because of your many years of support to University of Detroit Mercy. Recently, the University received some adverse publicity regarding our Women’s Basketball Program and I would like to share some specific details. But before I provide that information, I want to emphasize that as a Jesuit, Mercy and Catholic institution, Detroit Mercy’s priority is the health and well-being of all of our students.
During the month, Detroit–area print media reported on some problems within our women’s basketball team that the University took very seriously. Very late on Sunday evening, January 17, parents of the women players sent a letter expressing their concerns to Athletic Director Robert Vowels. On the following day, which was the Martin Luther King holiday, the University and Mr. Vowels immediately established two comprehensive, independent investigations to examine the alleged claims and simultaneously identify ways to ensure the support of our more than 275 student-athletes. When the investigations were completed in mid-May, Coach AnnMarie Gilbert and Mr. Vowels met with journalists from The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News on May 19 to share the findings of the investigation and respond to their questions. While we would have liked to respond sooner to questions from the media, alumni and some Detroit Mercy community members, it was more important to allow the independent investigations to complete their work and provide facts and conclusions that allowed us to present completely informed answers.
As you may know by now, the results of the investigations determined that allegations about our Head Women’s Basketball Coach’s lack of concern to student health, safety and academic priorities were unfounded. Additionally, with respect to the lowest level infractions identified in the review, the Athletics Department has been in communication with the NCAA to address any concerns related to those items. Please know that we have confidence in our athletic department leadership and coaches and are committed to an athletics department that complies with all rules and regulations.
We care deeply about all of our students and also you; and we hope this letter will reinforce your trust and confidence in University of Detroit Mercy. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Arnold D'Ambrosio
Arnold D’Ambrosio
Vice President for University Advancement
University of Detroit Mercy