Release provided by the BIG EAST Conference

-RISE Provides Educational Programming To Create Positive Societal Change-
 
NEW YORK (October 27, 2022) -- The BIG EAST Conference has announced an extension of its conference-wide partnership with RISE, a leading provider of educational programming that equips sports leaders to create positive change on matters of racism, social justice and equality.  The agreement will extend through the 2023-24 academic year.
 
RISE provides a wide range of programming to BIG EAST stakeholders, including leadership workshops, civic engagement education, town halls and fan activations at the conference level and with all 11 BIG EAST member institutions.
 
"We're excited to extend our partnership with RISE and look forward to building on our efforts to combat bigotry and inspire positive change in our communities and our country," said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman.  "RISE's broad and impressive range of offerings will remain of great value as we equip all of our stakeholders, especially, our student-athletes, with the tools they need to lead with compassion and promote a more inclusive and equitable world."
 
"RISE is excited to continue to work with the BIG EAST, as they develop student-athletes who are not only fierce competitors, but also leaders," said RISE CEO Diahann Billings-Burford. "The BIG EAST Conference is setting the stage to create opportunities to engage in meaningful work that can develop more inclusive leaders inside the sports community and beyond. The renewal of this partnership is a prime example of the long-term and intentional action organizations must take to authentically educate and empower student-athletes to make society better."
 
Lee Reed, Georgetown University Director of Athletics, who serves on the RISE Board of Directors, added, "RISE is an influential organization and I'm proud to be a member of its Board of Directors. The BIG EAST's commitment to enhancing inclusivity and diversity programming throughout the league is bolstered with this partnership and it has greatly benefited our student-athletes, coaches and staff across all 11 institutions. Working with RISE places the BIG EAST Conference among the national leaders within the social justice space and I am confident it will continue to be impactful for all involved." 
 
RISE has facilitated virtual leadership sessions within each BIG EAST member institution that surface perspectives and assess campus cultures. The sessions allow student-athletes, coaches and staff to define challenges that might exist on campus, discuss strategies to overcome them, and develop skills to become more effective leaders and champions for diversity and inclusion within their respective teams, schools and communities.

RISE also provides the BIG EAST with a non-partisan civic engagement curriculum that will help equip student-athletes to make an impact more broadly in their lives through the lens of sports.   The curriculum offers examples of present-day opportunities for student-athletes to get involved in the spectrum of American civic life through advocacy, community service and mentorship.  RISE also provides programming around voter education and voter registration in connection with Election Day.
 
The BIG EAST has continued with "BE the Change," an advocacy platform designed to dismantle racial stereotypes, foster respect and develop leaders and allies who will inspire action and positive change in BIG EAST communities and nationwide.
 
For a second straight academic year, BIG EAST student-athletes across all sports will wear a "BE the Change" uniform patch. The patch is intended to be a visual reminder of the BIG EAST's collective commitment to champion equity and social justice.
 
The BIG EAST:
The BIG EAST Conference is an association of 11 nationally prominent colleges and universities that foster healthy athletic competition, community service and the pursuit of excellence in academic environments.  The BIG EAST-sponsored athletic programs of our institutions provide national-caliber participation opportunities for more than 3,800 student-athletes on over 200 men's and women's teams in 22 sports.  Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST's members are located in eight of the country's top 36 largest media markets and include Butler University, University of Connecticut, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University.  For more information, visit www.bigeast.com.