When the Albright Lions’ new athletic logo was introduced in 2003, it brought a modern, revitalized look to the College’s athletic uniforms, banners, stationery….. even the floor in Bollman Center. At the same time, certain other equipment suddenly seemed outdated.

Take the 60 or so folding chairs used to provide seating for the many teams that play in the gym. Not only were they old and a
little ragged, they also displayed the recently retired lion logo. Like that logo they’d served the College well. But the time had come for them to admit defeat and forfeit the game.

Rather than ask the College to pay for replacements, the Red & White Club stepped up to the plate and bought new chairs,
complete with the updated logo. Why? Because that’s what the Club does.

“We help the College support athletics,” said Lew Nevins ’65, who recently joined the Development Office as the full-time coordinator of the Red & White Club. “Our primary focus is fundraising in support of athletics. It’s the support organization that provides enhancements to the regular program.”

The arrival of a full-time coordinator is something new for this formerly all-volunteer organization, once known as the Varsity Club. “That name implied that it was only meant for former varsity athletes, but that was never the case,” Nevins said.

In truth, the organization is open to anyone who has an interest in supporting athletics at Albright College, including parents, students, faculty, alumni, administration, businesses and friends. The hiring of a full-time coordinator and the name change are aimed at making the Club more inclusive.

As one of their benefits, members receive ROAR!, the newsletter about athletics at Albright College, three times a year. But the rewards of membership go far beyond a newsletter.

“The Red & White Club allows people to offer feedback about what’s going on in the athletics program,” Nevins said. “It’s a way for people to provide input if they feel something should be changed or enhanced. So our members get the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping our teams succeed.”

Nevins estimates that more than 50 percent of Albright students are involved in organized sports or fitness and wellness programs. “So we’re not just helping our athletes,” he said. “We encourage all students to use the facilities. We want them to be healthy and happy, which is part of the overall educational mission of the College. The more we enhance our facilities the more they’ll use them.”

As coordinator of the Red & White Club, Nevins straddles the line between Development and Athletics. Indeed, his office is in the Bollman Center just feet from Steve George ’68, director of athletics.

For Nevins, who retired after a career in investor relations, it’s all familiar turf.

A 1965 Albright graduate, Nevins played four years of football and one year each of basketball and baseball.

Nevins, who’s done volunteer work at Albright for years, believes he’ll be able to make an even-greater contribution in his new position. “The Club has functioned well over the years and has done great things for Albright athletics,” he said. “My goal is to reorganize it and enhance its focus while retaining its many positive features. The more people learn about our athletics
program the better they’re going to feel and the more they’ll want to be involved.”

For more information or to join the Red & White Club, or become a member of the executive committee, call Lew Nevins at
610-921-7864, e-mail him at lnevins@alb.edu or consult the Albright website at www.albright.edu/athletics.

Karen A. Rightmire ’69, trustee, was recently honored for a lifetime of community service in Berks County, Pennsylvania, as the 2004 recipient of the Thun Award.

The Thun Award, presented by Berks County Community Foundation and Wachovia, was created in 1988 to honor the Thuns, who were Wyomissing industrialists and philanthropists. The annual award is presented to a Berks County resident who has made significant contributions of civic service, and who exhibits a commitment to the community.

Rightmire became president of the United Way of Berks County in 1989. Through her leadership, the organization has launched several successful community programs, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a group that advocates on the part of children in the foster care system. She has been instrumental in the Healthy Communities Project, a neighbor-to-neighbor community building program, and the comprehensive Child Care Initiative.

Rightmire also helped establish Berks County Community Foundation. Her awards include the Albright College Distinguished Alumna Award, the Great Valley Girl Scout Council’s Woman of Distinction Award, the United Way of Berks County’s Doran Award and the Olivet Boys & Girls Club Champion of Youth Award.

Rightmire has chosen the United Way of Berks County’s Endowment Fund as the recipient of a $5,000 cash grant, on behalf of the Thun Award.