Is it not interesting that the great University
of Notre Dame, with a University Mission Statement that claims to admire the great achievements of human beings, concludes
in their comprehensive six-month investigation into the accident that took the life of student Declan Sullivan on October
27, 2010, that four primary factors led to the tragedy.
- A sudden and extraordinary
53 mph burst of wind.
- Staff members’ lack
of knowledge regarding on-the-field wind speeds.
- The lift that fell, a Marklift,
is structurally different than two other lifts used that day and more susceptible to tipping.
- The height of the lift at
the time of the accident.
This self-proclaimed world-class
institution of higher learning, with an athletic department employing 241 individuals, (see below), eighteen of whom work
in the football department, claim that all of these individuals had a lack of knowledge regarding on-the-field wind speeds
even though many, if not all of them were on the same field as Declan Sullivan.
This is an athletic department,
in addition to Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, employs eleven assistant athletic directors, eighteen associate athletic
directors, and two deputy athletic directors.
This is also an Athletic
Department holding its sixth annual National Sports Leadership Conference on campus June 24 to 26.
It is titled:
“Play Like A Champion
Today™ Sports Leadership Conference.” (See below)
I wonder if there will be
a study session on “Staff members’ lack of knowledge regarding on-the-field wind speeds” at the conference.
Although no amount of money
can replace the loss of Declan Sullivan, The University of Notre Dame should financially compensate the Sullivan family in
perpetuity for this accident. A dollar amount equal to the total compensation of the highest paid individual
employed by the University sounds like a fair and reasonable number. Anything less is shameful.
George Sarkisian
www.GeorgeSarkisian.com
www.GradeAndComment.com
tel: 248-626-9137
http://nd.edu/aboutnd/mission-statement/
University of Notre Dame
Mission Statement
The University seeks to cultivate
in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to
the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity
and concern for the common good that will bear fruit, as learning becomes service to justice.
http://newsinfo.nd.edu/
Notre Dame investigation
finds four primary factors led to Declan Sullivan tragedy
By Dennis Brown April
18, 2011
The University of Notre Dame
released today a comprehensive report containing the findings of a nearly six-month investigation into the accident that took
the life of student Declan Sullivan last fall.
A junior from Long Grove,
Ill., Sullivan died Oct. 27 when the elevated scissor lift from which he was videotaping the Notre Dame football practice
fell.
The report detailed the findings
from an investigation led by the University’s executive vice president, John AffleckGraves, and included extensive test
results, input and analysis from several leading experts in wind engineering, aerial lifts and meteorology. The investigation
also included interviews with more than 50 people who were on the scene, involved in the events of the day, or familiar with
other aspects of the accident; forensic examination of computers; and input from a separate investigation by the Indiana Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA).
AffleckGraves reported that
the main reasons for the accident were:
1) A sudden and extraordinary
53 mph burst of wind.
2) Staff members’
lack of knowledge regarding on-the-field wind speeds.
3) The lift
that fell, a Marklift, is structurally different than two other lifts used that day and more susceptible to tipping.
4) The height
of the lift at the time of the accident.
“The University, then,
is collectively responsible. Insofar as the president is responsible for the University as a whole, I am the individual who
bears the most responsibility, and I accept that responsibility.” University president, Rev. John I. Jenkins,
C.S.C.
http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/21563-play-like-a-champion-today-sports-leadership-conference-set-for-june-24-to-26/
Play Like A Champion Today™
Sports Leadership Conference set for June 24 to 26
Notre Dame News Date: April
14, 2011
The Play Like a Champion
Today™ (PLC) Program of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) will hold its sixth
annual National Sports Leadership Conference on campus June 24 to 26.
Perhaps the largest gathering
of directors and representatives of sport leagues in the country, this conference prepares leaders from both public and Church-sponsored
sports programs to lead coach and parent educational workshops in their home dioceses, parishes, schools and local sports
organizations.
Educators, coaches, former and current collegiate
athletes and professors from a variety of fields – psychology, education, medicine, theology and business – will
engage participants in an exploration of the ways in which youth and high school sports can contribute to children’s
and adolescents’ moral and spiritual development. It is a distinct opportunity to learn the latest trends in sport-based
character development and to network and share best practices with sport leaders all across North America.”
