By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State men's basketball is off to the Great White North for the first time in school history, as the Owls will be playing three games in Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada in the Western Slam on Thursday-Saturday. This year is also the "Year of Canada" for the Kennesaw State University Global Education Department, and they have partnered with the Athletic Department to help support the team's trip this week.
"Global Education is truly the heart of all things international at KSU," said Tara McDuffie, the Executive Director of Global Education at KSU. "We are always looking for creative ways to expose our wonderful campus community to everything 'global" and share the importance of international learning. A global mind is a powerful mind, and our ultimate goal is to help educate others. We are GLOBAL and we LOVE it!"
Every academic year at Kennesaw State is dedicated to a particular country or region to introduce the students to the diversity of world cultures. As this was already designated as the "Year of Canada" for this year's "Year of Country Study", when the Global Education department learned of the Owls' trip to Alberta, Canada, they were happy to get involved and help and support the team and the staff.
"We were thrilled when we learned about the opportunity to collaborate with the Global Education department" said KSU men's basketball assistant coach Willie Watson. "Coach Pettway is very enthusiastic when it comes to supporting our campus peers so this was right in alignment with his vision of serving the people at KSU. It was pretty cool how it all organically came together. We want to thank Shae Smith for personally coming over to introduce herself to the team and educating us on what they do. The guys were very happy to hear about the support they were receiving from students across campus as well. Hopefully we can make everyone proud with a good showing this week in Alberta."
"It has been fun to talk with students across both Kennesaw and Marietta campuses as they sign the "Good Luck" cards," said Patrice Binns, Global Education Program. "I hope the team can feel the excitement and support the students have for them. We wish them all the best as they travel and compete this week!" In addition, the department made posters for the team and provided them with warm-up shirts and beanies to wear on the trip.
"It has been the goal under AD Milton's strategic leadership to enhance the impact of athletics and expand institutional influence and prominence," said Tamica Smith-Jones, KSU Athletics Chief Operation Officer. "So, working with our campus partners in Global Education as basketball program administrator and the liaison for athletics campus collaborations to create such a meaningful learning experience and exciting send off for our men's basketball team to Canada was Owlstanding! We truly thank all involved and know the engagement has enhanced and strengthened the connection for our students, athletes, coaches and staff.
"We look forward to more campus leaders and partners reaching out to engage our programs to ensure KSU student athletes gain invaluable experiences and support beyond the court."
KSU will open the Western Slam against UC Irvine on Thanksgiving, followed by Towson on Friday and Kent State on Saturday. All three games will tip at 7:30 pm (ET) will be streamed live on ESPN+.
