Lore appointed director of Syracuse University Department of Recreation ServicesJanuary 29, 2008Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu
Joseph D. Lore has been named director of the Department of Recreation Services at Syracuse University, a principal unit of the Division of Student Affairs that serves nearly 170,000 visitors and program participants annually.
Lore, a 23-year veteran of the SU community, previously served as the Department of Recreation Services’ interim director. Before that, he was the department’s associate director for facilities.
“More than ever before, students and their families are judging universities on the quality of their fitness and recreation offerings, viewing these opportunities as a critical part of the educational experience,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “Our students will benefit greatly from Joe’s profound commitment to ensuring that the experience in the gym or dance facility is of outstanding quality, parallel to the experience in the classroom.”
Lore was elevated to the directorship as of Jan. 2, following an eight-month national search chaired by Colleen O’Connor Bench, director of SU’s Parents Office. During this time, Lore played a central role in the successful launch of the University’s new Fitness Center at Marshall Square Mall — which since its August 2007 opening has become SU’s second most popular facility, just behind the much larger Archbold Gym. He is also a leading participant in planning the 10,600-square-foot recreation facility that will be part of the University’s new residence hall at 619 Comstock Ave.
As director, Lore works closely with senior University administrators to explore all opportunities for realizing the Division of Student Affairs’ vision for the University as a place where students can improve their bodies as well as their intellects.”Joe Lore brings an exciting vision, nationally recognized expertise and quality service to our campus community and beyond,” says Jeanne S. Steffes, associate vice president for student affairs. “I look forward to working with Joe for the benefit of our students, as I am confident that we will continue to expand and enhance our recreation and wellness activities and programs on campus.”
Lore has been with SU since 1984, holding progressively responsible positions within the Department of Recreation Services, including director of club sports and director of fitness centers. As associate director of facilities, he was responsible for the day-to-day management and all policies and guidelines for the University’s indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, including Archbold and Flanagan gymnasiums, the Women’s Building and the Bill and Marilyn Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion.
Lore has also been responsible for the leadership, organization, administration and evaluation of a 53-sport club program with more than 1,500 student participants annually. He also oversaw the operation of five campus fitness centers that serve more than 165,000 visitors annually. He has served on numerous University-wide committees, presented at several national conferences for recreation professionals, been active in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), and authored several articles that have been published in Fitness Management Magazine.
In his new position, Lore will lead the Department of Recreation Services staff and provide overall management for all recreation facilities, assist in the strategic planning process for the construction of new facilities, and oversee the renovation of existing locations.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the director of the Department of Recreation Services and am excited at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” says Lore. “Our staff will continue to be dedicated to enhancing the learning experience for students and will work to provide the best possible facilities, programs and services to the University and surrounding community.”
Lore holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the SUNY College at Plattsburgh and a master’s degree in recreation from Slippery Rock University.
