NCAA's Charlotte Westerhaus to give keynote address.

On Saturday, February 28, 2009, the Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in association with the Office of Alumni Relations will hosts its 7th Annual Black History Month Celebration; Honoring the accomplishments of student-athletes and alumni of color. The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Ruth S. Harley University Center and will feature Charlotte Westerhaus, VP of Diversity and Inclusion at the NCAA.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte at a conference and knew immediately she would be a perfect choice to speak to our students and alumni," said Suzette McQueen, assistant athletic director/SWA and coordinator of the event. "Diversity and inclusion is a major push for the NCAA and our event fits right in with those efforts."

Westerhaus works with the national office staff and NCAA member institutions to develop and implement effective and efficient strategies, policies and programs that will promote diversity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics, specifically in coaching, athletics administration and officiating at the national conference and institutional levels.

According to Westerhaus, diversity and inclusion are concepts that have become an academic necessity, and her focus is to ensure that diversity and inclusion positively enhance the experience of all student-athletes. Presently, Charlotte serves on several civic and professional boards, including the Black Coaches and Administrators, United Way of Central Indiana and the Indiana Board of Bar Examiners.

In addition to Ms. Westerhaus, the guest speaker will be Curtis Minnis '76. There will also be a special performance by the Boys and Girls Club of Hempstead, N.Y.

The event, which consists of a brunch, is open to the public. Over the years, with the assistance of the Multicultural Alumni Chapter, it has attracted many alumni back to campus, many who had lost touch with the university. The keynote speakers have included former Adelphi Dean of Athletics and Head Track Coach Ron Bazil, Congressman Gregory Meeks '75, author Patricia Elam '76, and Board of Trustees Kenneth Banks '74, Dr. N. Gerry House. and attorney/author Alicia M. Crowe.

Approximately 150 alumni, current athletes and administrators are scheduled to attend the celebration. The event is open to the public but advanced notice is highly recommended. For more information or to RSVP please contact Suzette McQueen by phone at (516) 877-4236 or by email at mcqueen@adelphi.edu.

-Provided by Adelphi Sports Information department.