<p>USMMA one of seven schools to join Landmark Conference in fall of 2007</p>
<p>June 14, 2006 </p>
<p>Bethlehem, PA - Landmark Conference will be the name of the new NCAA Division III athletic association formed last December by seven like-minded colleges and universities in the eastern United States, conference athletic directors announced at their inaugural meeting on June 9. </p>
<p>The members of the Landmark Conference are the Catholic University of America, of Washington, DC; Drew University of Madison, NJ; Goucher College of Baltimore, MD; Juniata College of Huntingdon, PA; Moravian College of Bethlehem, PA; Susquehanna University of Selinsgrove, PA; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy of Kings Point, NY.</p>
<p>The most literal inspiration for the Landmark Conference's name came from the many well-known physical landmarks of the Mid-Atlantic region encompassed by the conference.</p>
<p>The name also reflects the significance of the institutions' decision to align themselves with other colleges and universities of similar size, educational philosophies, and high academic standards. It highlights the Landmark Conference's intention to stand out not only in athletics, but also in academics, emphasizing educational achievement and the important role athletics plays as part of the undergraduate experience--and as a defining characteristic of the member institutions.</p>
<p>"I'm pleased that we're able to join a Conference with 6 other splendid academic institutions that value athletics as an important part of a college education," remarked Academy Superintendent Admiral Joseph D. Stewart. "As the conference name indicates, we see this as a significant turning point for the Merchant Marine Academy." </p>
<p>Athletic Director Sue Petersen-Lubow added, "I am excited about being associated with institutions that are committed to both academic and athletic excellence. The name Landmark truly fits what we are trying to do which is to enhance the experience of our student-athletes, not just on the field of play but also in the classroom. I look forward to Fall 2007."</p>
<p>Demonstrating the Landmark Conference's dedication to helping student-athletes balance their obligations and excel across disciplines, conference leaders have already decided to hold long-distance games only on weekends, minimizing the time student-athletes will have to spend away from class.</p>
<p>In addition to competing on the playing field, members of the new conference will explore ways to develop and expand curricular and co-curricular relationships among their faculty members, administrators, coaches, and students. </p>
<p>The members of the Landmark Conference will compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, indoor and outdoor track and field, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.</p>
<p>The conference will begin competition in fall 2007. Teams from the seven colleges and universities will continue to participate in their current conferences through spring 2007. An eighth member institution--and a commissioner for the Landmark Conference--are expected to be announced by the end of the summer</p>