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Message from Sandy Barbour

By Public Affairs

Dear Friend of Cal Athletics,

As Chancellor Dirks has announced, I will be leaving my position in the Athletic Department in mid-July. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as your Director of Athletics, and I take great pride in the successes that our student athletes, coaches and administrators have garnered during my nearly 10 years at the helm of Cal Athletics.

Our accomplishments in athletic competitions, facilities improvements, fundraising, student development, community engagement and academics have been numerous. But my fondest memories, and Cal’s greatest asset, are the people who are drawn to this incredible University, and with whom I have had the opportunity to develop life-long relationships. No win, award or honor will ever mean more than the deep connections that have been formed over a common interest and passion for students, learning and community.

Intercollegiate athletics serves a powerful and valuable role on a college campus and in a college community. The passion with which the Cal community embraces athletics is special. We aspire to greatness not only on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community. The challenge is immense, but the pursuit has proven beyond worthy. It is a combination that few in our enterprise attempt to pursue, but one that I believe Cal should always pursue, and a way in which I am proud to personally and institutionally stand out. It is why I came to Cal 10 years ago.

My belief in Cal and Cal Athletics has never wavered. Although our challenges are many, I believe that with the proper support and focus of both alumni and donor communities, coupled with strong University leadership and a voice in support of the premise for intercollegiate athletics, that we can achieve our goal of being considered among the nation’s most elite and successful athletics programs. We are there … we are in that conversation. We need to rally around our student athletes and consistently provide them with every condition necessary for success.

I am grateful for the support and friendship of so many of you. I am pleased to be able to continue my service to this great University and for the opportunity to contribute in another role. It means for me that the friendships and the bonds that have been established over the last decade will continue without interruption. I am appreciative of the opportunity that Bob Birgeneau provided me in 2004, and countless administrators and staff with which I have had the honor and pleasure to work. I look forward to my new role on campus and continuing to work side by side with some of the country’s best.

In closing, I want to thank each of you for the part you have played in making possible a world-class experience for student athletes. This is a community that is deeply passionate about excellence across the board, and athletics is no exception. As I transition to a new role, I will join you in finding ways, every day, to support our student athletes. They are worthy, and our University is the strong beneficiary of a robust, dynamic and highly competitive intercollegiate athletics program. Thank you for your personal support and your partnership in making Cal Athletics a force on the national and international front. I will forever be a Golden Bear at heart.

Go Bears!

Sandy Barbour