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June 5, 2000
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Keith Phillips may be a rookie at MSU, but heÕs already in the running for the person who exuberates the most school spirit. He has decorated his new office in the house at 59 Normal Ave. with an array of Red Hawk memorabilia, heÕs not fully dressed unless his outfit proudly displays the MSU Athletics logo, and his voice mail message ends with the cheer, "Go Red Hawks!" Phillips comes to Montclair State from Northern Kentucky University where he was assistant athletic director for Marketing and Development. Responsible at MSU for fund raising through marketing athletic sponsorships and special events, he will focus on bringing revenue to the athletic program through corporate sponsorships and a project called Red Hawk Pride. "IÕm excited to be in this newly created position, and being this close to New York City is wonderful," said Phillips. "ItÕs a great market."
INSIGHT: Tell us about Red Hawk Pride.
Phillips: ItÕs a club whose members receive athletic benefits for their financial support of the UniversityÕs athletics program. For instance, a member who donates $100 might be entitled to home football game season tickets, a golf shirt or an acknowledgment in a game program. This is Montclair StateÕs first athletics fund-raising club. WeÕve done simple solicitation and special events before, but weÕve never given back to friends and alumni who support the Red Hawks. We especially want to encourage alumni to become club members so theyÕll come back to campus for sporting events.
INSIGHT: How do you plan to increase revenue at the corporate level?
Phillips: By developing corporate partnerships. A corporate partners program will benefit both parties. It will bring corporate money to the University through the Athletic Department and will give the companies exposure to our audiences. Corporations have donated money in the past to events like the Ford Basketball Classic, but MSU Athletics has not established any formal corporate partnerships...yet.
INSIGHT: How will this program bring exposure to the UniversityÕs corporate partners?
Phillips: A lot of individuals and businesses in this community already give to MSU athletics, but many have not been invited to our sporting events. WeÕll be sending invitations to those individuals and businesses for every athletic event.
As our athletic events become bigger and better, local businesses might see a value in a corporate sponsorship with us, so both our campus and the surrounding community will benefit.
INSIGHT: Which teams will benefit from the revenue raised through these programs?
Phillips: Red Hawk Pride membership dues will be used for team travel, uniforms, equipment and facility upgrades. Members decide where their support will go. For instance, those with a strong interest in menÕs basketball can have their money allocated to that program by checking the appropriate box on the membership card, or they can divide that money between two or more sports. If nothing is checked the money will go into the general athletics fund and [Athletic Director] Holly Gera will distribute those funds where it will be most useful. Corporate support also will go into the general fund.
INSIGHT: What are your immediate and long-term goals?
Phillips: WeÕre kicking off Red Hawk Pride this month by sending a mailing to our base. Membership will begin July 1 and go through June 30, 2001. I want to lay down a solid foundation for Red Hawk Pride in the first year, and in five years I hope to bring in 500 percent more members. This isnÕt something thatÕs going to happen overnight. As for corporate partnerships, any new relationships we foster will be positive. I plan to attend all the special events this year to see whatÕs working. I first have to experience them before making changes.
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