Sports and Entertainment Council, October Student Club of the Month
In October, members of the Sports and Entertainment Council had the opportunity to travel to New York City for a professional development and networking event. During this trip, students met with representatives from Madison Square Garden, Sony, the National Basketball Association, and Wasserman. These meetings offered valuable opportunities to learn from alumni and other leading professionals in the field, gaining advice on career development, networking, and industry trends. The trip represented a major milestone for the organization and reflected the board’s commitment to growth and experiential learning.
This year’s executive board includes President Katie Umphred, Vice President Joe Jolley, Secretary Gillian Lee, Treasurer Shannon Kelleher, Alumni Relations Coordinator Christian Florencia, Membership Coordinators Cooper Anderson and Ronan Stewart, and our board-in-training members, Luke Umphred (President in Training), Owen Galvin (Vice President in Training), Amelie Picard (Secretary in Training), and Ella Gasbarro (Treasurer in Training). Together, this team has worked diligently to provide meaningful opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the sports and entertainment industry.
The club demonstrates leadership on campus by taking the initiative to create hands-on learning and networking experiences for its members. Through consistent communication, collaboration, and creativity, the board has built a community where students can develop professional skills and form valuable connections with industry leaders. The organization’s mission is to help cultivate future sports and entertainment professionals through immersive experiences that bridge classroom learning with real world insight.
As President, Katie Umphred reflected on the journey of leading and founding the club: “If you truly care about something, it’s worth all of the effort. I started this club during my sophomore year, and while there were hurdles and challenges, I’m incredibly proud of how far it’s come. The time and energy invested have been so rewarding, especially seeing the impact it’s had on our community.”
Like any student-run organization, the club has faced challenges particularly when planning large-scale, off-campus events such as the recent New York City networking trip. However, through persistence and with the support of faculty and staff, these challenges have transformed into opportunities for learning, teamwork, and leadership development.
Looking ahead, the club is focused on preparing its board-in-training members as the current executive team graduates this spring. The group is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining the club’s strong foundation, and continuing its success for years to come. With dedication, passion, and collaboration, the Sports and Entertainment Management Club continues to inspire and empower students to pursue their dreams within the industry
