 May 9, 2005
AIM Trainings, Inc.811 Iowa Street Ashland, OR 97520 Attn. Dennis Mead-Shikaly Dear Dennis: I offer my congratulations and my thanks to you for bringing the AIM Pilot Program to SOU. The motto of our football program this season has been "A Higher Standard," and it was clear to me from our first meeting that the program you have developed invites young men to step into the awesome responsibility and power of choosing to live their lives from this higher place. Everyday these young men are confronted with making difficult choices, given the ever-present availability of alcohol, drugs and sex. Making good decisions requires their own expanded awareness, as well as the support of older, caring men who can help them navigate those rough waters. Your program brought both of those elements in a most profound way. The concept of masculinity that your program articulates is an important step in the right direction of providing a new model for young men to aspire to. As a coach, my job is to not only cultivate the development of the athelete, but the development of the man. Thank you for supporting my coaches and me in doing this important work. My wish is to see this AIM Program spread across the campuses of America. Your program provides hope, both for these young men and for our future. If I can be of any further support, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Sincerely, Jeff Olson Head Football Coach Southern Oregon University Department of Health and Physical Education 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard Ashland, Oregon 97520-5065 Tel 541-552-6236 Fax 541-552-6543 |
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