President’s letter adds fuel to fire over Dzik

SHAWN RICE EDITORIN CHIEF SMR723@CABRINI EDU

In a letter sent to alumni addressing the John Dzik situation, President Iadarola stated new reasons for not rehiring the long-time coach. “Our Athletic Director, Leslie Danehy, is committed to responding to the changing environment of NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing that rigorous academic programs and participation in sports contributes significantly to the student’s overall collegiate experience.”

Dzik was surprised to find that the decision not to renew his contract was done solely by the athletic department. “Leslie warned me that Lysionek was going to get rid of me. I see Iadarola spinning it down to Leslie.”

The changing environment that was indicated in the letter refers to a process that has been going on for 10 years in the NCAAto strengthen the academic aspect of student athletes. As recently as January 2005, the NCAADivision III has begun to vote on possible changes in their academic standards.

“I always put the welfare of the student-athlete first,” Dzik said.

The Loquitur was not able to document the student-athlete graduation rate because most Division III colleges like Cabrini do not give athletic scholarships. Danehy has stated that a computer system should be implemented in five years that will be able to track Cabrini’s graduation rate of student-athletes.

“I think they would be high (graduation rate) in all the sports; it wouldn’t just the men’s basketball team. I think that, again, I don’t have hard data,” Iadarola said.

Shortly after Dzik was told that the college would no longer require his coaching services, Dzik had a discussion with VicePresident of Student Development Christine Lysionek about philosophies towards academics and athletics. “She (Lysionek) told me through her observations we have divergent philosophies, whatever that means,” Dzik said.

It has been rumored and confirmed by Danehy that the college has looked into replacing Dzik with one of his assistant coaches most specifically his longtime asst. coach, Joe Kelly. Dzik said, “I find it odd that the school would fire me and want to hire Joe who after 25 years shares the same philosophy as I do.”

On March 18, 2005, coinciding with the end of the basketball season Dzik will no longer officially hold his position as special assistant to the president for athletic advancements leaving the responsibilities open. Vice-President of Institutional Advancement Robin Moll said, “What I’ll

2004-2005 Loquitur Staff

Editorial Staff Editorin

Shawn

Kristen Catalanotto

Lauren Reilly

Angelina Wagner

Jessica Marrella

Alyssa Schoenleber

Matthew Campbell

Nina Scimenes

Cecelia Francisco

Aegina Foto

Cecelia Francisco

Alyssa Schoenleber

Dr. Jerome Zurek propose at our planning and budget meeting is not a direct replacement of that position as it was structured at the salary it was. I think that the work that was in that job’s description needs to get done, so I am very committed to continuing the work of engaging student athletes in the life of the college, now and in the future, in having meaningful connections between all alumni, but that would also include athletes in the ongoing life of the student and the plan.”

“I don’t know if there’s anymore about this issue that we can rehash; we’ve made a decision. We didn’t do it precipitously, we did it with great thought and regardless of the information that you are receiving from John, it was done in full consistent compliance of the college’s policies and procedures, and he does know the reason. So, he is not being kept in the dark,” Lysionek said.

Whether there has been any mutual discussion since the news first broke out over Dzik’s nonrenewed contract has yet to be seen. Dzik said, “I haven’t reached out to anyone (administration) and they haven’t to me.”

For more information on this matter and to read the letter from the president, go to www.keepjohndzik.com

Asst. Managing Editor

Maria D’Alessandro

Asst. News Editors

Ashley Weyler

Kimberly White

Asst. A&E Editors

Diana Ashjian

Christine Ernest

Asst. Features Editors

Jillian Milam

Melissa Steven

Asst. Sports Editors

Andrew Matysik

Laura VanDePette

Staff Photographers

Asst. Perspectives Editors

Christine Blom

Sharon Kolankiewicz

Staff Writers

Krisitn Agostinelli

Kellie Belmonte

John Del Sordo

Katie Hodgins

Latisha Johnson

Elyssa McFadden

Kelly McKee

Katelynde McNulty

Paul Nasella

Christopher Rogers

Dave Carron, Holly Eshbach, Sean Fogel, Michelle Kebel, Ian McDonald, Janette Mochnacz, Michelle Moran, Mindy Paul, Mary Remoli, Brandi Updegrove, Jessica Webb

Asst. Photography Editor: Ginger

Web Team

Shane Evans, Chris Gentile, Ryan Norris, Chaynne Roland, Shawn Rice

OurMission Statement

The Loquitur is Cabrini’s College weekly, student-run, campus newspaper. It is widely respected as the voice of students, staff, faculty, alumni and many others outside the Cabrini community. The Loquitur has earned its position by advocating for self expression through freedom of speech, and by serving as an outlet for readers to affect change on campus and off.

Founded in 1959, the Loquitur has thrived and greatly expanded its readership. The paper now has 1,674 online readers and 1,500 print readers on a weekly basis.

Our mission is to provide readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions freely, in an environment where their voices are effectively heard and respected.

The Loquitur: You Speak. We Listen

Loquituris a laboratory newspaperwritten, edited and produced by the students of COM 353, 352, 250 and 251. Subscription price is $25 per year and is included in the benefits secured by tuition and fees. Additional copies are $1 each. Loquitur welcomes letters to the editors. Letters to the editorare to be less than 500 words. These are usually in response to a current issue on campus orcommunity area. Guest columns are longerpieces between 600 and 800 words and also are usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini College campus orcommunity. Letters to the editorand guest columns are printed as space permits. Submissions may be edited forlength, clarity and content. Name, phone numberand address should be included forverification purposes. Personal attacks and anonymous submissions will not be printed. Letters to the editorand guest columns can be submitted to loquitur@cabrini.edu orto the newsroom mailboxes in Founders Hall 264.