For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 07/14/03

UNIVERSITY OF THE SCIENCES IN PHILADELPHIA GRANTED ACTIVE NCAA DIVISION II MEMBERSHIP 

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) has recently been granted active membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II by the Association’s Membership Committee, effective September 1, 2003.

As an active member of the NCAA, USP has the right to compete in NCAA championships, to vote on legislation and other issues before the Association, and to enjoy other privileges of membership designated in the constitution and bylaws of the Association.

“This is great news for our athletic program and a major milestone in our school’s history,” says Robert Morgan, USP’s athletic director. “It was a long road, but we are now better able to meet our student athletes’ needs. This is a thrilling experience for us all, especially with the anticipated opening of our new Athletic/Recreation Center next month. Also, this could not have been possible without the support of President Philip Gerbino, Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Joseph Ruane, the USP Athletic Department and the entire USP community.”

The change to full Division II status comes after a four-year provisional membership in which USP had to fulfill NCAA requirements. As a result, USP varsity athletes are now eligible for NCAA postseason honors and scholarships, and all 11 USP varsity athletic teams are eligible for NCAA Championship playoffs beginning this fall. USP had been competing within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), a 12-school conference within NCAA Division II comprised of teams from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

For more information, contact Robert Heller at (215) 596-3133.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution founded in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America. USP specializes in educating students for rewarding careers through its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in the health and related sciences.

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