The Springfield College Department of Sport Management and Recreation hosted an evening titled, “Leadership Lessons: Strategies for Professional Success,” on Tuesday, March 21 in Cheney Dining Hall (A&B).
In this presentation, two of Springfield College’s own provided leadership lessons for aspiring sport professionals. College roommates, Dave Gettleman ’72 and Tom Yeager ’72, provided sage advice after a combined 90 years working in professional football and college athletics.
Gettleman was the 2015 NFL Executive of the Year with general manager positions with the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. Yeager was the first commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association, which won 15 NCAA team championships under his leadership. Both shared their experiences to help new sport professionals understand the value of a leadership philosophy while providing tips for long-term success.
“Coming back to campus and giving back by talking with future leaders is always rewarding,” added Yeager. “I was so impressed with how engaged our current students were during the chat, hopefully we were able to assist them as they go out on their jouneys.
Gettleman agreed with his long-time friend and college roommate that being back at Springfield College always presents a very special feeling.
“We develop leaders and we give back at Springfield, that’s our mission, and it was great to chat with students, hear their questions, and be able to provide some advice,” added Gettleman. “We were in their shoes at one point, and anytime you can help a fellow Springfield College student or graduate, we are always willing to do so.”
