New UCLA Athletic Director

[Pac12Fan]

Martin Jarmond was named the Athletic Director at UCLA. 
 

I’m glad that UCLA has pushed outside their own to bring someone In without any preconceived conditions. 
 

Martin comes from Boston College where he was crucial in raising over $100 million towards the athletics program and nearly 92% of student athletes graduated with an undergrad degree. 
 

He Is not the donor preference but too many decisions have been made based on donor preferences. 
 

The donors want;

1. Our Bruins out of the Rose Bowl and in the new stadium.

2. Compete with the top 4 teams (Oregon, USC, Washington and Utah) in the conference  in Football 

3.  Major Improvement in Hoops 

4.  Improved practice facilities  

The donors pretend they care about graduation rates but they don’t  They care only about winning and bragging rights.

I’m interested to see how Jarmond will handle our group of donors with unrealistic expectations. 
 

Most Athletic Directors ask for donations prior to winning. UCLA donors are fickle and will donate at the same level as football success. Bad years = low donations and low turnout at games. In good years and especially when we beat USC, the attendance and donations seem to double and triple.  When you win, Hollywood becomes the prime source of new money. Everyone wants to hang out with a winner. 
 

This could be the best job ever or your worst nightmare. We have a donor Zoom call next Sunday to hear more and meet Martin. Covid is ruining UCLA’s  plan as we they were expecting a gathering of donors at the Hollywood Bowl with good liquor and loose wallets. Zoom can’t replicate the parties. 
 

 

[azgreg]

This needed another thread?