Press Conference Transcript - Carlos Santiago

Sept. 15, 2008

UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago

"We do come here with mixed emotions. When I arrived on this campus four years ago, I had the pleasure of enjoying a really special time when the men's basketball team was going to the `Sweet 16'. I told other chancellors that this was an experience that very few individuals get to have. Bud introduced me to Panther Athletics and the excellence of the program. This is Bud's program and the accomplishments in really promoting the student-athlete - which has been our main objective."

"When I arrived Bud spoke about stepping down and he spoke about trying to pave the way to retirement. So that was about the time that our head basketball coach left rather abruptly from one day to the next. And I said `Bud you have to stay here and help us rebuild the program. You have to help us recruit a new head basketball coach'. And he did a wonderful job bringing in Rob Jeter here. And, a few months later, Louis Bennett left. I said, `Bud, you have to help us keep the men's soccer program at its high level'. You have to help us recruit the tremendous coaches and staff that he is really well-known for. He then talked to me about selling his home. Leading up to this, he said `Well Carlos, I really like spending time in Florida with Beth and my family and I am going to try and sell our home'. And then, we started talking about the NCAA recertification. Bud was the leader of that process 10 years ago. And, as you know, in a couple of weeks the new re-certification team is going to come to campus. I said `Bud, you have to hang on'. Well, we worked on that self-study and we went through that process and he agreed to do so."

"He has really been at the forefront of this program when I have asked him do to something ... without wavering at all. He has said if it's good for the university, I'll do it. And I have asked him to stay on a little further. We are going to launch a search process. We will have a conversation with our athletics board about that process. We have made no decisions about the composition of the committee or the chair of the committee. We have agreed not to use a search firm. We think this is a high-profile position and we will have excellent candidates from across the country that will express an interest in this position. So, we are going to launch the process when I find out how that process works. They tell me it is a little convoluted but I will look into it. Our objective and goal is to try and get a new athletic director by January of 2009, if possible. And, Bud has agreed to stay on is a period of transition."

"We are proud of this program that Bud has built and it's good to see Beth and Drew here and family. This is Bud's extended family ... you are the people that Bud has recruited, the people that he has supported and the people he will continue to support. There will be time for celebration of the many accomplishments of this athletic program over the course of this year. Be aware that we are still going to be holding a few celebratory events. Please join me again in another round of applause for Bud Haidet."