Peter J. D'Orazio, who is in his 27th year at La Salle University, is the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement. His responsibilities include coordination of the Corporate Partnership/Athletic Sponsorship Program, serving as the Executive Director of the La Salle Explorer Club, the Fund Development and Booster Organization of La Salle Athletics and overseeing the office of Athletic Communications. As the Executive Director of the La Salle Explorer Club, he is responsible for all fundraising efforts of the athletic department and works closely with the Explorer Club Board of Directors, a group of volunteer leaders who provide assistance with athletic fundraising activities. In addition, he is responsible for the coordination of all marketing initiatives of the athletic department. Under his direction in the Athletic Advancement Office, both revenue and membership in the Explorer Club have increased each year. Each year, the Athletic Department conducts a Spring Fund Drive, during which coaches work together with the Explorer Club Board of Directors to conduct a fundraising initiative for the following academic year. In addition, the Annual Autumn Auction and Reception has become the signature event of the Explorer Club. The Explorer Club raffle provides additional support for the athletic programs. The Athletic Sponsorship Program provides an additional source of revenue. Corporate Partnerships have been established with Albert Einstein Healthcare Network and NovaCare Rehabilitation. These two organizations provide valuable assistance for La Salle's student-athletes. He has also been instrumental in acquiring grants for Project Teamwork, the Athletic Department's Youth Outreach and Community Service Program. La Salle's Project Teamwork Program has been recognized nationally by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports for its service to the surrounding community. Pete also serves on the "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Committee. The committee's annual golf outing, which continues to grow each year, garners proceeds for the Men's Basketball program. The golf outing is hosted by CBS and ESPN Color Commentator, Bill Raftery. In 2005, D'Orazio was presented with the inaugural Bob Vetrone "Buck the Bartender" award, named after the legendary Philadelphia Sports Writer and longtime La Salle Sports Information Assistant. D'Orazio's professional career at La Salle started in 1982 when he was hired as Assistant Facility Director of Hayman Hall and was responsible for the coordination of daily operations for the facility. In 1985, he was appointed the Director of Intramurals and in 1989 was given additional responsibilities as Basketball Ticket Manager. During his tenure as Director of Intramurals, he was one of the founders of the Philadelphia City Six program in which Intramural Champions from La Salle, Drexel, Penn, St. Joseph's, Temple and Villanova compete annually to determine city champions in softball, basketball, football and volleyball. In 1997, he was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Campus Recreation and Promotions, and in the spring of 1998, he assumed the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement. A graduate of La Salle College in 1981, D'Orazio majored in Criminal Justice. He received the Student Activities Service Award during his senior year. He went on to complete his Master's in Education in the Recreation Program at Temple University. He currently serves on several University committees, including the Hall of Athletes, Homecoming and University Calendar committees. He is a former member of the La Salle University Alumni Association and continues to play an active role with planning and attending events. D'Orazio is a member of various professional organizations, including the National Association of College Marketing Administrators (NACMA), the National Sports Marketing Network (NSMN), the National Intramural Recreation Sports Association(NIRSA) and serves on the board for Access Sports, a non-profit that provides sporting tickets for underprivileged area organizations. He is also a trustee for the Sons of Italy, Ivy Ridge Lodge. D'Orazio's love of La Salle stems back to his student days, when he served as the men's basketball manager during the 1977-1981 seasons for teams that won two East Coast Conference Championships and made two NCAA appearances. These teams were led by the 1980 National Player-of-the-Year, Michael Brooks. In addition to sports, D'Orazio lists cooking, music, making wine and golfing as his interests. He currently resides in Glenside, PA with his wife, Fran, and their children - Rebecca 21; Annaliese, 20 (currently a junior at La Salle); and Celeste, 18. |
||||||||||||||
