June 7, 2006

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University has named Daniel Schumacher, Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Development/External Relations at Winona State (Minn.) University, as its new Director of Athletics.

Schumacher succeeds Paul Zakowski, who resigned to become athletics director at College of DuPage.

A 1985 Sandburg High School graduate, Schumacher was responsible for the financial administration of Winona State athletics. Among his duties were marketing and promotions, development, external relations, corporate relations, facilities oversight, budgeting and NCAA compliance.

Schumacher was the primary catalyst of a two-year campaign that generated $3 million, through private donations and newly developed athletics department revenue channels, for major improvements to Winona State's soccer, football, baseball, softball and basketball facilities. He also spearheaded a project that transformed a $42,000 annual corporate sponsorship program into an annual corporate/external relations program that generates $500,000 in scholarships for Winona State athletics and the WSU Foundation.

"Dan's unique blend of experience and his inspired vision for Lewis University Athletics clearly made him the best choice among the candidates we interviewed," said Lewis Executive Vice President Wayne Draudt, who has oversight of the Department of Athletics.

"Dan played a major role in Winona State's development into a top-notch NCAA Division II athletics program," Draudt added. "Our student athletes, coaching staff and University administration look forward to benefiting from his insight and leadership skills as we strive to advance Lewis into the upper echelon of Division II."

"I would like to thank President Brother James Gaffney and Vice President Wayne Draudt, along with Vice President Ray Kennelly and the entire search committee, for this wonderful opportunity," Schumacher said. "It is really an honor to be part of such a storied and successful University in both the athletic and academic arenas."

Schumacher, whose roots are in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood and Orland Park, continued: "My wife, children and extended Southside Chicago family are extremely excited about this new chapter in our lives. I thank the Good Lord for the path he has chosen for my professional career, and I look forward to implementing the Lewis University mission as a guiding force in our athletic success.

"I welcome the competitive challenge that lies ahead as Director of Athletics," Schumacher added. "The Lewis University athletics program sets very high goals and competes at a lofty level in the NCAA. Lewis University alumni and the campus community will be instrumental to our success. It will be a great time to be a Flyer student athlete, alumni and fan."

Schumacher spent seven years with Conseco Finance Corporation prior to joining the Winona State staff, serving as Senior Credit Manager from 1995-98 and as Vice President from 1998-2002. He was a Branch Manager for TCF Bank and Mortgage Corporation in Minneapolis from 1990-95.

Schumacher earned a bachelor's degree in public relations (business administration minor) in 1989 and a master's degree in educational/school administration in 2005, both at Winona State. As a member of the WSU football team, he garnered All-America honors and served two seasons as a team captain.

Schumacher and wife Kristin are the parents of daughter Kasey (11) and sons Jack (8) and Declan (4).