On The Clock with DeVry University’s Bill Caruso
Last week, I sat down with Bill Caruso, who is the interim president and CEO at DeVry University, to talk about their partnership with Team USA and what plans they have for the road to Tokyo.
Here is Bill Caruso, On The Clock…
Ken Hanscom: How did the relationship begin and why did DeVry’s University get involved with Team USA?
Bill Caruso: In 2011, DeVry was named an official education provider of Team USA. We were chosen because of our flexible, career-oriented course offerings and commitment to helping our students succeed. Specifically, DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management offers higher education opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls.
Many Team USA athletes want to pursue their athletic and career dreams at the same time. DeVry University can help make that happen by providing the highest quality academic instruction with the flexible scheduling necessary so athletes can balance training and studying in pursuit of their goals.
We currently have more than 100 student athletes enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs and more than 140 have graduated to date. Since the partnership began in 2011, more than 530 athletes have been enrolled at DeVry or Keller.
Ken Hanscom: Is that how DeVry became involved with ACE — Team USA’s Athlete Career Education Program?
Bill Caruso: Yes — it is through ACE that DeVry is able to offer scholarships to eligible athletes.
DeVry works with ACE on how to best support the student athletes, and we have regular discussions on the status of the new athletes, current athletes, athletes who are graduating and create action plans for the athletes that need additional support.
Ken Hanscom: What are your plans to activate in the buildup to Tokyo 2020 over the next 5 months?
Bill Caruso: Earlier this month, Team USA announced that DeVry University is the presenting sponsor of Team USA Summer Fest. Summer Fest is a five-stop, interactive festival that will crisscross the United States to bring the excitement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 to Team USA fans around the country. Summer Fest will kick start the excitement for Tokyo, and we are thrilled to join other TEAM USA partners to bring the experience of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games closer to home.
Visitors will see our branding throughout the Summer Fest footprint, including on the main stage, and the rock climbing wall. During each of the Summer Fest stops, DeVry University will have a sponsor activation tent near the main entrance, where Team USA fans can help create a picture mosaic. By taking a photo, visitors can take home a copy for themselves and then their image will be added to the mosaic, which will become a large photo by the end of each event.
Ken Hanscom: What do you have in-store for us at Tokyo 2020 — both for the fans in attendance and those watching the amazing competitions around the world?
Bill Caruso: We are focusing our activation efforts around Summer Fest, leading up to the Games.
Ken Hanscom: What plans do you have for activations and hospitality during Tokyo 2020 — both in Tokyo and US-based?
Bill Caruso: We are focusing our activation efforts around Summer Fest, leading up to the Games.
Ken Hanscom: What are you looking forward to most during Tokyo 2020?
Bill Caruso: We are anxiously waiting to find out which of our student athletes will be competing in Tokyo, in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And like a proud parent, we will be cheering them on!
About Ken Hanscom:
Ken Hanscom is a veteran-fan of the Olympic Games and the recognized expert in ticketing, corporate sponsorships, traveling to and experiencing the Olympic Games. In his role as COO at InviteManager, during Rio 2016 & PyeongChang, Ken worked directly with the United States Olympic Committee, NBC Universal, Anheuser Busch, & Cartan Tours the authorized ticket reseller for 23 countries across the globe on their ticketing & corporate hospitality programs. While in Rio, Ken attended 30 events while guest blogging for the International Business Times, writing for USA Today, The Post Game, and appearing on TV with NBC, and ESPN Radio. Ken and his wife Ashley are also trustees of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF). For more information and interviews with Ken on the Olympics and the upcoming Tokyo 2020 games, connect via Twitter or directly at kenh@ticketmanger.com.
