2006 NAIA Volleyball National Championship Program

Welcome to Columbia College As president of olumbia College, it is both a pleasure and a privilege to welcome you to our campus and the city of Columbia. It is truly an honor for the college to host the 27 th Annual NAIA Volleyball ational Championship . Columbia College is no stranger to this championship. In the last nine years, we have won the championship title three times and finished runner-up three times. I have had the good fortune to attend four volleyball national championships. The standard for hosting the national championship is high, and a challenge that we have taken on with enthusiasm. A dedicated group of staff and volunteers have been preparing for the tournament for more than a year. I would like to thank them, along with more recent volunteers , for their hard work. Also, our corporate and media sponsors deserve recognition for making it possible for us to host this quality athletic event. This tournament brings out the best of the best-athletes and coaches who are true champions of character, who play for the love of the game. Yet they are here because they also are competitors. It takes determination, courage and teamwork to make it this far. I also would like to acknowledge the many fans who have traveled from near and far, for being here to cheer on their favorite teams . I have no doubt that each team is made better by fan support . While you are here , I hope you will have an opportunity to explore all that this fine city has to offer. It consistently has been ranked among the "Best Places to Live in the Nation" by Money magazine. Columbia is a city of nearly 100 ,000 people with a total student population of more than 30 ,000 at two colleges and one university It's no surprise, then, that this city truly caters to its college students by offering unusual shops , comedy clubs, restaurants , concert halls , theaters and cafes , most within walking distance of the three campuses . The city also has many parks and scenic trails. On behalf of the Columbia College Board of Trustees, students, faculty and staff, I hope you will find your experience here to be memorable and enjoyable. Sincerely, Dr. Gerald T. Brouder President Columbia College 4 AIA Volleyball ational Championship 2006