levon1975 wrote:

ElDuque wrote:

When you can say your Dad played for the Dukes and they were the #1 team in the country, you can not only dream big but accomplish it.

When Steve said a Board member kicked it off, I though, oh wow. Stew or Levon or someone like that. But Marie Milie-Jones (her Dad, Bob Milie, was the Dukes' long time trainer) was certainly acceptable. Some of the other Board members who were named, thank you to all of you. Our new president continues to impress me and David Harper is already the best AD to ever set foot on the Bluff. What a smart man.

There seems to be great chemistry among those who will lead the program. For the first time I believe there is a good understanding of the value a strong basketball program will bring to the Duquesne University brand, and people who see that even if you put academics first (rightfully so) it doesn't mean you can't win.

Coach Dambrot is dynamic. I love his passion and I believe he has a plan. I'm sorry right now that college basketball is coming to an end for the year and I have to wait seven months to see this team.

Thanks to everyone who shared first hand perspectives.

Good Point about Marie Milie Jones, I started to have hope that we could climb out of the abyss when she was named Chairman of the BOT at Duquesne.  She is clearly competent, but I was hopeful that with her connection through her father to the program during better times, that she would be an ally.  Clearly, that has been the case.  The commitment of the BOT, the President, and the AD to the success of the Men's BB Program is what we've needed since the last century.  It is much appreciated that finally this group and others recognize the vital importance of our flagship sport in continuing to grow the University as a national rather than a local brand.  Let the success begin!
 

My perception of the Board had been based on the belief that the same old relics of the past who viewed basketball as an annoyance were still there. I have been educated, indeed. I won't mention names, but someone told me that one Board member in particular is a powerful, influential and persuasive supporter of the athletic department and basketball team.

Levon, you seem to see this stuff up close. Am I wrong to say that the culture has shifted?

That event yesterday just hummed with energy.