Dickson Offers Thanks To Fans On Behalf Of Athletics Department
 |  Tulane Athletic Director Rick Dickson says the "Think Green" campaign is not over. |
June 25, 2003
Dear Tulane Family,
On behalf of the student-athletes, coaches and staff of the Tulane Athletics Department, I want to thank and congratulate you on all of your efforts over the last two months which resulted in Tulane University's Board reaffirming its commitment to NCAA Division I-A athletics on June 10th. The response - in letters, ticket purchases and donations and in expressions of support - made by so many Tulane fans, friends, alumni, former players and the community, not only proved to the university leadership that there is a large and loyal base of support for Green Wave Athletics, but has also buoyed our department and made us more determined than ever to continue the course as a model Division I-A program.
President Cowen told our coaches and staff in a private meeting following the Board announcement and press conference that day, "Division I-A needs Tulane" and I firmly believe that to be the case, as I know you do. It was a long, hard, road to the decision for everyone involved, from the day news of the Board's review broke, through the "Call to Action" and the launch of the "Think Green" campaign to the presentation before the Ad Hoc Committee and finally to decision day. Our coaches made sales calls, our staff worked nights and weekends, and our student-athletes persevered through a difficult time.
Throughout the review, the spirit of our fans, alumni and supporters was encouraging and the display of "tangible support" was critical. By June 10, you enabled us to meet our 2003-04 goals in football season tickets by more than doubling our season ticket base. Meanwhile, the Tulane Athletics Fund Annual Fund Drive has surpassed its 2002-03 goal of $1.2 million and our annual endowment will grow to near $15 million for next year.
However, our work is far from over. Having now surpassed the 12,500-mark in football season ticket sales with 7,200 new sales, we believe reaching our original five-year goal of 15,000 is attainable this year. We continue to reach out to the business community to "Join the Green Team" by purchasing one of our Business Plans at the $250 or $500 level. And the season ticket goals for men's basketball, baseball and women's athletics remain well within reach.
This process has united the Tulane Family in the city, across the state and around the country like never before. There is a renewed appreciation for Tulane Athletics and what it brings to the University and to the community. Now is not the time to sit back and return to the complacency of the past, believing that the future is guaranteed, but to press forward with a determination to reach even greater heights
On Monday night, September 1, when Tulane plays host to defending Conference USA champion TCU in the Louisiana Superdome before the cameras of ESPN, we have a chance to show the nation that Division I-A Tulane Athletics is here to stay, and that our fan base is energized, united and determined to ensure the future of our vibrant, successful and exemplary program. Can't wait to see you there.
Roll Wave! and Think Green!
Rick Dickson
Director of Athletics
