Paul Dee Letter To Hurricane Club Members On ACC

July 2, 2003

Dear Hurricane Club Members,

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that, on Monday, June 30 2003, the University of Miami accepted an invitation to become a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. We are very excited about this move. We believe that the schools of the ACC share many of the same commitments as the University of Miami, in particular, high academic standards and comprehensive athletic programs.

This was a difficult decision. It was one that was not easy. Our association with the Big East conference over the last 10 years has been very good for us. We have many friends in the Big East and had great success. However, through all of the research, discussions and deliberations, it became apparent that the ACC was the best choice for the future of our student athletes and the long-term financial security of the Athletic Department. The final decision to move to the ACC was based on five factors:

1. The future security of the overall athletic program,
2. The long term overall benefits,
3. The stability of the ACC,
4. The financial security of the program over the long term, and
5. The similarities of the University of Miami and the ACC schools.

From a non-revenue sport perspective, it makes even more sense. The travel budgets and time out of class will be reduced, and the overall quality of competition will be higher.

Many of you have written or called over the past few weeks to share your thoughts on joining the ACC. We certainly thank you for your insight and appreciate the passion you have for the University. It was a very tough decision, and we are excited about the growth and change ahead for us. We will continue our quest for athletic and academic excellence. We will need your support in the future more than ever.

In closing, I want to thank President Shalala for her outstanding leadership and the Board of Trustees for their solid support.

Go Canes!

Sincerely,

Paul Dee
Director of Athletics