FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 4, 2004

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY APPOINTS JACK HAYES AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Hempstead, NY -- Hofstra University Stuart Rabinowitz today announced that Jack Hayes has been appointed as the University's new athletic director. Hayes, who is currently the Associate Director of Athletics at the University of Connecticut, will replace Harry Royle, who will be heading the University's newly energized athletic fundraising effort as the Executive Director of Athletic Development and Endowment, on Tuesday, October 26, 2004.

"We are pleased that the national search we have conducted for our new Athletic Director has resulted in the appointment of someone of Jack Hayes' caliber," said President Rabinowitz. "At Hofstra University, student-athletes strive for excellence both on and off the field, and Jack's broad experience in athletic administration and as a former student-athlete will help Hofstra's Athletic Department continue its development as a national program that recognizes that student-athletes are students first."

Hayes comes to Hofstra University with over 14 years of athletic administration experience, including management positions at four Division 1 institutions. The past three years have been highlighted by leading the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics fundraising efforts and overseeing the ticketing operation, including staffing, policy implementation, and sales strategies, and where he served as a senior staff member for a $40 million program that supports 24 sports and 650 student-athletes.

Hayes' proven expertise in enhancing academic and athletic success of students-athletes, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, university relations, facility enhancement, budgetary management, and NCAA compliance will compliment Hofstra University's athletic department in its quest to further enhance its athletic program, and assist Hofstra's student athletes both on and off the field.

Hayes comes to Hofstra from the University of Connecticut, where as Associate Director of Athletics he coordinated the day-to-day management of the Division of Athletics fundraising efforts, including the operations of the UConn Athletic Development Fund, implementing policies and procedures for the annual giving program, assisting with the cultivation and solicitation of major gift prospects, coordinating capital project campaigns, and overseeing special events, and managing the athletic ticketing operation.

From 1998 * 2001 Hayes served as Director of Athletic Administration at Fordham University, where he was responsible for the comprehensive internal operations of the Athletic Department including fiscal management, facility management, staff training and development, ticket operations, and NCAA compliance initiatives. Prior to his tenure at Fordham, Hayes served for two years as Assistant Director of Athletics at St. John's University, where he managed the fiscal operations of the Athletic Department and supervised the business office. Hayes began his professional career in college athletics at Fairfield University, where he served as Assistant Director of Athletics.

Hayes received his Master's Degree in Education in 1992 with a concentration in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1989) from Providence College, where he was a member of Providence's NCAA Division 1 lacrosse team. He was also awarded a certificate of completion in 2001 from the Sports Management Institute, Consortium of the Universities of Michigan and Texas.

A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Hayes graduated from the Providence Country Day School where he lettered in football, basketball and lacrosse. He has been married to Bridget since 1999, and they have a daughter, Katie, age 2.

Jack Hayes - Career Accomplishments

Under Hayes' leadership, the University of Connecticut's fundraising organization increased by 32% over a three-year period (5,200 in 2001 to 6,900 in 2004).

Private contributions to the UConn Division of Athletics increased by 35% during the same timeframe ($10.2M in 2001 to $13.8M in 2004).

Under Hayes' direction, the Athletic Department developed ticket sales strategies and seating policies for UConn's 2003 football campaign- the inaugural season at Rentschler Field-that resulted in a record for season ticket sales. Average attendance of 37,059 was 93% of stadium capacity.

Hayes participated in over 25 NCAA Division 1 Post-Season Tournaments, serving in various administrative roles.

Hayes coordinated all fundraising events and ticketing operations for the University of Connecticut at the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Women's Basketball NCAA Final Four championships and the 2004 Men's Basketball NCAA Final Four championship.

Hayes served as member of the NCAA Certification steering committee at both Fairfield University and Fordham University. Each certification process resulted in the University being fully certified in each of the NCAA-established principles.

Hayes worked directly with Fordham University head football coach on improving all aspects of the football program; over four*year period, the program improved from 0-11 to 10-3, advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA 1-AA playoffs and finishing the season ranked 12th nationally.

Hayes oversaw the addition of four sports programs at Fairfield University; football, women's rowing, women's lacrosse, and women's golf.

"I want to be part of an institution that is well-respected academically and has a history of athletic success," said Hayes. "At Hofstra University, I have found an institution that combines an outstanding reputation and the ability to succeed in athletics, and I am very excited about being a member of the Hofstra University community."

"Jack will be an outstanding representative of Hofstra University, just as he has been at the University of Connecticut," said UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway. "He has the rare combination of extensive fundraising, knowledge of external relations, and a solid background in internal operations. His greatest attribute is his interaction with student-athletes, coaches and university community members. He will be an outstanding leader for Hofstra University and its athletics programs."

"Jack Hayes is a superb choice for Hofstra," said Mike Tranghese, Commissioner of the Big East. "He is a tremendous administrator and will bring passion, great organizational skills and a strong work ethic to the role. His previous experience at such a highly successful program (University of Connecticut) will set a great tone at Hofstra."

"Hofstra has just hired a great young administrator coming from a top notch program - the University of Connecticut," stated Tom Yeager, Commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association. "Jack is very familiar with the East Coast and will be a great fit here. The Athletic Directors and I welcome Jack to the Colonial and we look forward to helping him build the Hofstra program to even greater heights."

According to Lew Perkins, Athletic Director at the University of Kansas, "Jack Hayes has been one of my guys! He brings integrity, great interpersonal skills, a tireless work ethic and great management skills to the role. He worked for me at Connecticut and was a key part of our team success. He is ready for this opportunity. He is a superb fundraiser and administrator and I believe he will raise the standards of excellence both on and off the field at Hofstra."

"Jack Hayes is one of the top young administrators in this profession and Hofstra has made a wonderful decision in hiring him. He brings a wealth of experience to the job and the people of Hofstra will soon see what a great decision they have made," said Gene DeFilippo, Director of Athletics at Boston College.

According to Geno Auriemma, women's basketball coach at the University of Connecticut, "Jack has a great appreciation for the role of student-athletes and coaches. We have worked together on many projects during the past three years and I know he will do a super job at Hofstra."

"In my 16 years of coaching college football, Jack is one of the best administrators I have ever worked with," said Dave Clawson, head football Coach at the University of Richmond. "Jack was instrumental in the success we had in turning around the football program at Fordham. I'm sure Hofstra will achieve great success under Jack's leadership. Jack is bright, organized, energetic, and personable."

"Jack Hayes is a rising star in athletic administration," said Frank McLaughlin, Athletic Director at Fordham University. "His recent success at the University of Connecticut sends a powerful statement concerning Hofstra's strong commitment to athletic excellence with academic integrity. I believe Hofstra is very fortunate to attract someone of Jack's caliber. This is a great choice!"

"Jack Hayes believes Hofstra can and will compete at the highest level of athletic excellence, both on and off the field. He takes over as AD having been mentored by several of the best in the country. He is a winner and will bring enthusiasm, energy and a work ethic that will excite Hofstra Pride throughout the country," said Robert Beaudine, president of Eastman and Beaudine.

"As a graduate and former student-athlete at Hofstra, I could not be happier for the University and for Jack and his family," said Jim Fiore, Director of Athletics at Stony Brook University. "Most impressive about Jack is that he understands the proper role of intercollegiate athletics is to advance the educational mission of the University. The formal training and mentoring Jack has been so fortunate to have had over his career will serve him well as the Director of Athletics at Hofstra. He is ready for this opportunity and will accomplish great things for the University. Hofstra has made an enlightened choice."

Jack Hayes has over fourteen years of athletic administration experience, including management positions at four Division I institutions. For the past three years, Hayes has headed the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics fundraising efforts and ticket sales. Prior to joining the University of Connecticut in 2001, Hayes was the Director of Athletic Administration at Fordham University, where he ran the internal operations of the athletic department, from 1998 until 2001. He was also Assistant Director of Athletics at St. John's University and Associate Director of Athletics at Fairfield University.

Hayes, who will be Hofstra University's seventh director of athletics, will oversee Hofstra's 18 Division I teams, an athletic administration of more than 70 professional staff, and 430 student athletes. The search was conducted with the assistance of the national executive placement firm Eastman & Beaudine, Inc.

Stephen A. Gorchov

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

Hofstra University

230 Hofstra University

PFC-243

Hempstead, NY 11549-2300