April 25, 2008
Lamoni, IA-Head Men's Soccer Coach and Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education Ivan Joseph has resigned his post effective June 30. Coach Joseph has accepted a position as Director of Athletics at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Joseph will take with him a legacy that will never be forgotten at Graceland both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Coach Joseph single handedly turned around the soccer programs at Graceland taking the Jacket men's soccer team to their first ever NAIA National Tournament in 2005 and following it up with two more consecutive appearances in the tournament. His greatest accolade would come in 2006 however when he gave Graceland soccer and the entire Graceland community a National Championship in Men's Soccer. He will leave the program to Interim Co-Head Coaches Aldemar Angel Monroy and Guillermo Sanchez .
"In my brief five years as athletic director, I have had the opportunity to work directly with Ivan, attend National and conference championship competition and observe the young men under his direction mature into young adults both on and off the field," stated Director of Athletics at Graceland University Dan Hanton. "Ivan is definitely a dynamic leader who leads by example. He will be deeply missed by his Graceland University family and the community of Lamoni. In my eyes, no matter where his travels take him, Ivan will always be a Yellowjacket. His heart will be here with us in Lamoni," concluded Hanton.
In addition to his teaching and coaching at Graceland, Joseph was integral in the creation of the Rasmussen Soccer Complex at Graceland both in the design aspect and the fundraising side of it. Aside from working in the college atmosphere, Joseph has become a sought after speaker on leadership and self-confidence.
"Ivan Joseph will be greatly missed at Graceland University," said President of Graceland University Dr. John Sellars. "Ivan will always be remembered as a great soccer coach but his contributions to Graceland include mentoring of students, teaching, and being an important member of the Graceland family. We have also been greatly blessed by his wife Polly who has touched the lives of many of our students. Our best wishes go with Ivan and Polly," concluded Dr. Sellars.
"Having reached many of my professional objectives the timing of the move just seemed right," stated the departing Joseph. "The program is a nationally recognized power among NAIA schools, the senior leadership is still intact and most importantly the coaches are in place that will continue a legacy of excellence that has been established.
I will miss everything about this place. Graceland is all Polly and I know. We met here, fell in love here and achieved many of our family milestones here. For the past ten years I have never worked a day in my life. The things I will miss most are the van rides, the conversations, the weddings and the alumni gatherings. I have been so lucky to have been blessed with such a great experience.
Ryerson University could not be more welcoming and accommodating in recruiting me. They are looking to expand their athletic department and I look forward to the challenge," Joseph concluded.
Graceland wishes both Ivan and Polly along with his entire family the best in their future endeavors. Congratulations on your new position.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
