Don DiJulia set to retire in 2018
Don DiJulia, director of athletics, announced his retirement to the St. Joe’s community in an email sent from President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.
The news came as a surprise to athletes and athletic department staff. As of last month, DiJulia, affectionately known as “DonJon,” held the position of director of athletics at St. Joe’s for 35 years.
“It’s going to be sad not seeing him at every game,” said sophomore Francesca Mecca, St. Joe’s cheerleader. “Knowing he was there to support the team and reassure us is something we’ve all come to love during the season.”
Because the university has not had to search for an athletic director in more than three decades, there are no search procedures in place, said Marie Wozniak, associate athletic director and director of communications.
“The president will determine the process,” Wozniak said.
Reed’s office confirmed that the search for DiJulia’s successor will begin after Jan. 1, 2018, and the process will likely take about 8-12 weeks.
Reed said it is important to find someone for this position who will fit in on Hawk Hill and be a positive addition to the team at Hagan Arena.
“Good athletic directors are committed to providing student-athletes every opportunity to be successful in the classroom and in their sports,” Reed said. “They understand how athletics contributes to an institution’s reputation and recognition; they know how to hire good coaches and support administrators; they can lead a team themselves and perhaps most importantly, they have a high sense of integrity.”
When reflecting on his own college years, DiJulia said he had many fond memories of his time at St. Joe’s.
“Working with the caliber of student athletes that attend here and the staff here that are committed to developing and helping students learn and grow has been an honor,” DiJulia said. “My successor is going to be a lucky person to hold the position I’ve held for such a long time.”
Due to the fact that DiJulia has worked for 50 years in collegiate athletics, he will be missed not just at St. Joe’s but throughout the NCAA, according to Reed.
“Don’s impact on SJU will be felt most for years to come through the relationships he built with our student-athletes and their families, his colleagues on campus and his peers across college athletics,” Reed said.
