GMercyU’s Sport Management Program and Sport Business Association Host College Athletics Summit
On Thursday, October 17, GMercyU’s Sport Management Program and Sport Business Association (SBA) hosted a College Athletics Summit in University Hall. The event featured a panel discussion and networking opportunity afterwards.
Panelists included:
- Keith Mondillo ’04, Director of Athletics and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at GMercyU
- Don Di Julia, Retired Vice President and Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph’s University
- Kevin Bonner, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communication and Administration at the University of Pennsylvania
- Jeremy Benoit, Director of Athletics at Goldey-Beacom College
- Alexis Schmit, Assistant Director of Fitness, Campus Recreation at Temple University
Similar to the Sport Management Symposium hosted in the spring, the College Athletics Summit was designed by SBA to expose students to careers in sports, specifically college athletics.
“We know that college athletics continues to grow and is a great place to break out into the sports industry,” shared Camryn Kinney ’26, Sport Management major. “Dr. Herman’s connection to Dr. Tom Brennan is where the idea of a college athletics summit was inspired. Dr. Tom’s long history working in college athletics, along with his connections, was super-beneficial.”
When selecting panelists, SBA’s executive board was strategic in choosing individuals of different backgrounds within the industry. Panelists were chosen across all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Divisions, colleges and universities, departments, and ages to share their experiences and the various opportunities college athletics presents.
At the event, students gathered to listen to the panelists’ journeys in the sports industry and were given time to ask questions afterwards. The panelists covered topics such as breaking into the industry, what day-to-day work looks like, and how the sports industry has changed. They also touched on the importance of networking and being open to new opportunities. At the conclusion of the event, attendees had the opportunity to network with the panelists and make connections.
“SBA was very pleased by the event’s turnout, and we are grateful to all of the panelists who made this event possible. We also appreciate all of the participants who made the atmosphere feel very engaging,” said Tyler Mish ‘25, Management major. “It was a great experience setting up this event with the rest of the SBA executive board members!”