The Blue/White Club Spotlight recognizes the generous contributions of the individuals and families of members who support  Monmouth Athletics as members of the Blue/White Club.  This spotlight features Blue/White member and Monmouth alumnus, Michael Fedele '14 '15M.  For more information on joining the Blue/White Club contact Ken Taylor at ktaylor@monmouth.edu or Bennie Kanzler at bkanzler@monmouth.edu or call 732-263-5474.

What is your connection to Monmouth University?
I'm an alumnus of the Leon Hess Business School with both a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and MBA. I'm also an alumnus of the men's lacrosse program and was a resident assistant on campus.

What is your occupation?
I'm an Accounting Supervisor at Commvault in Tinton Falls, and I've been a New Jersey Licensed CPA since 2018.

How and when did you get involved with the Blue/White Club?
I became involved after graduating in 2015, attending as many lacrosse, basketball, and football games as I could and becoming a basketball season ticket holder. Monmouth is a special place to my family. My wife Nicole, my brother Nick, and my sister-in-law Lucia are all Monmouth alumni with seven degrees from the University among the four of us. Some of the areas I've contributed include the Kessler Stadium Project, the men's lacrosse program's foreign trips, the business school scholarship fund, and the food pantry.

Why do you support Monmouth Athletics?
The student athlete experience was an incredible part of my own personal development. It's important to give back and make the experience even better for the next generation of Hawks. Seeing the growth in the facilities and resources available to our student athletes in such a short time puts into perspective how much progress has been made, and it inspires what's possible in the future. It's a lot of fun to be dialed-in and bring positive energy and momentum to our programs.

What do you love about Monmouth Athletics?
I love the camaraderie of the entire Hawk family. It takes a village to build a successful athletic department and Monmouth truly has that. It's something people want to be a part of and is growing, and the tight-knit community reinforces how important everyone involved is in making our teams successful.

What is your favorite Monmouth Athletics memory?
My favorite memory is being part of the inaugural NCAA Division I men's lacrosse team. It's not a single moment but a collection of special milestones that made it so awesome. Experiencing the growth of the sport at the University from a club team my freshman year to NCAA Division I was surreal. It was something my teammates and I worked towards and believed that we could see it materialize while we are still students. I was blessed enough that Coach Fisher, Coach Geison, and Coach McCutcheon gave me the opportunity to live out that dream. The connections I've made with my coaches and teammates really are special, which is why it was so satisfying to see the Class of 2017 - the freshman during my senior year - win 14 games, become nationally ranked, win our first MAAC Championship and make the NCAA Tournament during their senior year.

What is your favorite sport?
Lacrosse, followed by basketball and football. It's the fastest-growing sport in America, and that comes as no surprise to those of us who played since it involves some of the best parts of other sports. It has the spacing and movement concepts of basketball and the bursts of speed of football. I've met countless people who watch or play lacrosse for the first time and are surprised by how much they like it. I recommend it to anyone who loves sports.

If you could give a current student athlete one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make every day count, put your whole self into everything you do, and leave no stone unturned. Monmouth has so many experiences to offer, but it's on you to maximize them. Listen to your coaches, create relationships with your professors, and take the time to get to know your classmates and faculty.

If you could travel anywhere in the world next week where would you go?
I would like to go to the Galapagos Islands. The unique wildlife and natural interaction must be incredible to witness in person.

What is your favorite food in the Varsity Club?
Pizza, no doubt.