April 11, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y.--On April 6, Rusty Hawley, vice president for marketing for the New York Giants, visited the Hobart and William Smith Colleges campus to meet with the Hobart Student-Athlete Leadership Team and the athletics staff. Nearly 80 student-athletes had the opportunity to listen to Hawley discuss leadership and his career in sports marketing. His visit was part of the Napier Leadership Seminar, which is sponsored by the Statesmen Athletic Association (SAA), and is now in its sixth year in the Hobart College Department of Athletics.

This mentoring and life skills development program recognizes the loyalty and service that the late William J. Napier ’57 rendered to the Colleges as an alumnus, as a director of the SAA, and as one of Hobart College’s most devoted sons. The leadership seminar for student-athletes and athletics staff annually brings speakers to campus to discuss the important topics of leadership and life values. Past speakers have included Retired Navy Captain Charlie Plumb, Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley ’74, and sports psychologist Dr. Joel Fish.

Hawley was the keynote speaker at the Napier Leadership Dinner and then participated in the Alumni Forum along with President Mark Gearan, Rick Harrison ’67, Jim Kraus ’74, Matt Kerwick ’90, Jared Weeden ’91, and Kevin DeWall ’00. Hawley was a three-year letter winner at Hobart (1976-78) and still holds the record for the longest field goal (53 yards against Alfred in the 1977 season). He graduated with a bachelor degree in psychology in 1979 and was hired by Commissioner Pete Rozelle to work at NFL headquarters in New York City. During his tenure there he introduced marketing ideas and concepts to the league at that high level.

From the offices of the NFL, Hawley went to NFL Properties, Inc., where he worked until moving to the Giants operation in 1992. Hawley now supervises the Giants’ expanding marketing initiatives and is recognized as one of the leaders in sports marketing.

Hobart Athletics Director Mike Hanna said, “Thanks to the generous loyalty of the Napier family and the members of the SAA, we have this special mentoring opportunity. Our job is to do our best to prepare these young men for life after college. Student-athletes across the country learn and grow from their academic, athletic and social experiences–the Napier Seminar is unique and we think it will give Hobart athletes a winning edge here and in their various roles after college.”

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