April 23, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF Athletics and the Golden Knights Club (GKC) are pleased to announce the UCF Varsity Club, an arm of the GKC, which encompasses UCF letter award winners from all varsity sports. At an Advisory Council meeting recently, the organization selected its first set of officers, including president Lou Cioffi, vice president Tony Marlow and secretary/treasurer Alyssa O'Brien.
The purpose of the creation of the UCF Varsity Club is to provide a means for former UCF student-athletes to gather from time to time for events, to promote the interests and mission of UCF, to support the athletics programs of the UCF Athletics Association and to support the current UCF student-athletes.
"The creation of the UCF Varsity Club is an important step in connecting our former UCF student-athletes to our current teams and athletes," said Director of Athletics Keith Tribble. "Linking the past history and success of UCF athletics to our present mission and interests can only enhance the future success of our department, teams and student-athletes."
The UCF Varsity Club will also help facilitate the selection and induction of new members into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame, with each member having the right nominate potential inductees.
Cioffi is a 1986 graduate of UCF who lettered in men's soccer. As president, Cioffi will schedule, coordinate and preside at all Advisory Council meetings. He will also serve as the Varsity Club's liaison to the UCF Athletics Association and GKC, initiate and oversee Varsity Club fundraising projects and communicate with members regarding activities and events.
"It is with great pleasure that I accept the honor of serving as the first president of the UCF Varsity Club," said Cioffi. "My efforts will be directed towards drawing together members of the varsity sports, both past and present, as a family wherein we can work towards achieving the many goals of UCF Athletics. It is through this unity of past varsity leaders in sports that we can spread the word of achievement and excitement of our present day athletes, which we ourselves have experienced."
Marlow is a 1998 graduate and a former men's basketball player at UCF. As vice president, Marlow will chair the events committee for the Varsity Club, encourage member participation in Varsity Club projects and represent the Advisory Council in the absence of the president.
O'Brien, a 1998 graduate of UCF, lettered in women's soccer in her time as a student-athlete. As a current UCFAA employee, O'Brien serves as the associate director of athletics compliance. In her role as secretary/treasurer, O'Brien will keep minutes for Advisory Council meetings, keep a current copy of the Varsity Club rules of governance and the list of current members as well as all other official documents, ensure proper management of the Varsity Club budget and provide an annual budget report to the Advisory Council.
Any letter award winners wishing to find out more about the UCF Varsity Club can contact Maura Murphy in the GKC office at (407) 882-2871.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.