# University of Chicago

**Source**: https://athletics.uchicago.edu/sports/2023/6/12/about-aimsofathletics.aspx
**Parent**: https://athletics.uchicago.edu/

## Aims of Athletics

**Aims of Athletics** is an opportunity for all varsity athletes, coaches, staff, and members of the campus community to hear a perspective on the aims of athletic participation and role of sport in society. The annual event is held each year in the autumn quarter.

- **2025 Aims of Athletics**
  - **No** **Video**
  - Keynote Speaker
    - Dr. Harry L. Davis, the Roger L. and Rachel M. Goetz Distinguished Service Professor of Creative Management Emeritus at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
\

- **2024 Aims of Athletics**
  - **No** **Video**
  - Keynote Speaker
    - John List - The Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor in Economics and the College
  - Esteemed Panel
    - Panel Moderated by Angie Torain
    - John List - The Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor in Economics and the College
    - James Chadam - Senior Executive: Strategy Development & Execution / **UChicago Men’s Soccer Student-Athlete**
    - Dr. Sara Ray Stoelinga - President & CEO of Easterseals / **UChicago Track & Field Athlete Alum**

- **2019 Aims of Athletics**
  - [**F****ull Video**](https://youtu.be/f2BOEXfkl5I)
  - Keynote Speakers
    - Provost Daniel Diermeier and Director of Athletics & Recreation Erin McDermott
      - Speaking about UChicago’s traditions and values of varsity athletics
  - Guest Speakers
    - Arne Duncan - Managing Partner of Chicago CRED and former U.S. Secretary of Education
    - John Rogers - University trustee and Founder/Co-CEO of Ariel Capital Management
      - Sharing experiences of growing up in Chicago, attending University High Lab School followed by playing varsity basketball at Ivy League institutions, and how those experiences shaped their professional careers

- **2018 Aims of Athletics**
  - [**F****ull Video**](https://youtu.be/iTlPStlDbJ4)
  - Keynote Speakers
    - President Robert J. Zimmer and Director of Athletics & Recreation Erin McDermott
      - Speaking to scholar-athletes about the traditions and values of varsity athletics at UChicago
    - Assistant Provost Raja Bhattar
      - Addressing the vision and priorities of the Center for Identity + Inclusion
  - Guest Speaker
    - Derrick Brooms, BA '96
      - Delivering a perspective on the aims of athletics reflecting on his experiences and lessons learned while a student-athlete at UChicago

- **2017 Aims of Athletics**
  - [**Full Video**](https://youtu.be/64v50BKOi5Y)
  - Keynote Speaker
    - Jenny Fortner ’98 - Women’s Basketball Alumna
      - Jenny was a Psychology major and a member of the Maroon Key Society. She is currently a managing director at Goldman Sachs in Chicago. Jenny is serving as chair of the board of Special Olympics Illinois and co-chair of the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary in July 2018. She was featured in the UAA’s recent 30 for 30 anniversary salutes.

- **2016 Aims of Athletics**
  - **No Video**
  - Keynote Speaker
    - Sian Beilock, Executive Vice Provost

- **2015 Aims of Athletics**
  - [**Full Video**](https://youtu.be/-hCvFIt2ik8)
  - Keynote Speaker
    - LZ Granderson, journalist and commentator for CNN and ESPN

- **2014 Aims of Athletics**
  - [**Full Video**](https://youtu.be/yef7spwWnBo)
  - Keynote Speaker
    - Erin McDermott, Director of Athletics & Recreation