ASTON, Pa. – Neumann University Director of Athletics and Recreation, John Krimmel is proud to announce the creation of the Faculty Athletics Mentor (FAM) program. The FAM program is an initiative that aims to foster a better understanding of the unique relationship between intercollegiate athletics and the rigors of undergraduate academic studies at Neumann University.
 
"We are incredibly excited to launch the Faculty Athletics Mentor (FAM) program here at Neumann University", said Krimmel. "This initiative represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening the relationship between our faculty and the Department of Athletics and Recreation. I am especially appreciative of the leadership and support of our Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Julie Lanzillo, for helping to spearhead this effort".
 
The program will allow academics and athletics to effectively integrate the needs of each area through multi-tiered, cooperative efforts with clearly delineated expectations. Among the roles that will be played by mentors, will be to provide student-athletes with a person to contact with academic questions, help to facilitate athlete and professor interactions, and build strong professional relationships with student-athletes and coaches.
 
Each sport's FAM will become an integral part of the program both on and off the field of play by attending the student-athlete orientation. They will also attend the games and special team functions, be allowed on the sidelines during competition, and receive team apparel while being a supportive Neumann Knights fan and a member of "The Team Behind the Team".
 
Dr. Lanzillo, Associate Dean and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), looks forward to the implementation of this new program. "We are thrilled to launch the Faculty Athletic Mentor Program at Neumann University — a transformative initiative that bridges the classroom and the field. By pairing a dedicated faculty mentor with our varsity and club teams, we are reinforcing our commitment to the whole student-athlete: academically grounded, personally supported, and set up to thrive both in competition and in life. This program is a game-changer for Neumann athletics, and I couldn't be more excited to see it come to life. A huge thank you to AD John Krimmel for the concept, and the numerous faculty who have signed on to support our student athletes in this new endeavor".
 
The Faculty Athletics Mentor program will be fully integrated into the Neumann University student-athlete experience beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year.