Richard Stockton (College of LAW)

1. I want to become a member of the Athletic Board for two reasons. From a University perspective, I want to effectively represent the Senate and its constituencies to the Athletic Board and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. From a personal perspective, the Athletic Board represents a new opportunity for me. I have served on many college, campus, and city committees, and I envision the Athletic Board as a sort of personal "final frontier." I hope to "tackle" its challenges before finishing my seventh and final year at the University.

   My primary objective is to foster communication between DIA and its "customers." Frankly speaking, I believe that certain elements of the University community unjustifiably criticize the failures of DIA. In my opinion, those elements sometimes fail to recognize, for example, that our football program is going to have ups and downs.

   DIA needs to more effectively communicate its policy decisions and its role relative to the University community. In addition, DIA should reaffirm its commitment to bring Big 10 excitement to the University community. Constructive rational discussion by the Athletic Board is a way to help achieve these ends.

   Although my career goal (to practice patent law) would appear to be unrelated to serving on the Athletic Board, I see a major parallel. The successful practice of law (patent or otherwise) requires strong interpersonal and communications skills. Basically, working with the Athletic Board will allow me to exercise and enhance those skills. In particular, meaningful engagement and objective discussion with members of the Athletic Board, DIA personnel, and other elements of the University community would substantially enhance my skills.

2. I am currently involved in the following activities (average hrs./week):

   Illini Media Co. Board of Directors Campus-related Activity (one)
   Champaign Liquor Advisory Commission City Activity (one to three)
   CLAC Patron Safety Subcommittee City Activity (one)
   MODERN TRENDS IN IP Editor Law Activity (two)
   Patent Law Recruitment Speaker Law and Campus Activity (one)
   Moot Court Law Activity (two)
   Illinois Student Government Campus Activity (two to four)
   Banner & Witcoff, Ltd. Employment (three to four)

   (For the record, I do not foresee a conflict of interest between my role as an Illini Media Company board member and my potential role as a member of the Athletic Board.)
   

3. First, I served on the Division of Campus Recreation's Campus Recreation Advisory Committee. Second, I led the SORF Board (as the SORF Chair) in recommending the disbursement of more than $100,000 to "athletic" registered student organizations. Finally, I enjoy watching non-varsity Illinois hockey games and actively follow University, other NCAA, professional, and international sports and affairs.

4. As indicated by my response to Question 2, I would be delighted (well, at least enthused) to contribute a portion of my weekends to the Athletic Board if the University or I will benefit in some way from that contribution. I fully comprehend that the Athletic Board is a very important campus activity and that a weekend contribution may be required. There is little to no doubt in my mind that such weekend contributions would benefit the University or myself.

*The following questions were asked of each nominee:

1. Why do you want to become a member of the Athletic Board, and what are your qualifications? If selected to be a member of the Athletic Board, what would your main goal or objective be? How would membership on the Board relate to your career goals?

2. In what other activities (clubs, honoraries, etc.) are you involved on campus, and how many hours per week do you participate in them? How much time will you be able to devote to the Athletic Board? (Are you currently employed or involved in another time-consuming activity that might limit your ability to serve on the Board?

3. Have you previously been involved with the Athletic Board or the UIUC athletic program in general? If so, please describe.

4. If selected to be a member of the Athletic Board, how would you feel about devoting part of your weekends (i.e. Friday evenings and/or Saturday/Sunday mornings) to this committee?