University of Michigan Sport Business Association

Happy #GivingBlueday! SBA is so excited to take part in this amazing day of fundraising and community amidst our 20th anniversary. Our donation link is now live and will close today at midnight!  A donation to SBA bridges financial gaps on our annual professional employer treks, and acts as a catalyst for our members to network, learn, and shape into well-rounded sport business professionals. Our goal is to continue expanding our travel efforts and create more accessibility for students to take part in these experiential learning opportunities! If you’d like to read more about SBA and Giving Blueday, please visit our Giving Blueday page found at: https://lnkd.in/e4mFy3WF

Three weeks ago, a group of 18 SBA members embarked on a journey to Northern Ireland and Ireland to visit with several sport business organizations on this year’s international employer trek! The trip began in Belfast, Northern Ireland where members visited BBC Northern Ireland, the Belfast Giants, and The SSE Arena, Belfast. Our members truly enjoyed learning about the history of these organizations, especially the growing success of ice hockey in the UK. Some of our members also had the chance to watch a rugby match and visit the beautiful Giant’s Causeway! Then, it was off to Dublin! In Ireland’s capital, our members were grateful for the opportunity to visit Sport Ireland, University College Dublin Sport Centre, LinkedIn, Google, and Diageo. The group also learned how to play traditional Gaelic sports including Gaelic football, hurling, and handball. The trip was closed out by a tour of the historic Guinness Storehouse and a group Irish dance lesson in the heart of Dublin! Our members walked away from this experience with so many important learnings about the intersection of history, culture, and sport and how sport business operations differ across the globe. Thank you to each of our hosts: Josephine Long, Steve Thornton, Shane Califf, Tadhg O'Leary, Ezra Zimbler, Ida Sjöberg, and Joseph Higgins. We are so appreciative of your time and commitment to helping us shape the future leaders and best in sport. A final thank you to Kelli Donahue and Vanessa Barton for their guidance, leadership, and company in the process of planning and executing this unforgettable experience!