Whether in uniform or in the front office, Joe Dumars has long been a steady hand for the Detroit Pistons. After helping to guide the Pistons to two NBA championships as a player, Dumars retired from a 14-year playing career. In 2000, he was named president of basketball operations for the Pistons, assembling a team that won another NBA championship. Dumars will offer an overview of his career – on and off the court – during an Oct. 29 presentation at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College.
The Dumars presentation is part of the More Than a Game: How Sports Shape Culture program series that continues at the Lorenzo Cultural Center through Nov. 22. Among the many highlights of Dumars’ basketball career, after his retirement as a player, the NBA named the league’s annual sportsmanship trophy in his honor. Dumars is also a partner in the multi-sports Joe Dumars Fieldhouse in Shelby Township.
“Joe Dumars has a proven record of striving for excellence with integrity,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “Having won championships both as a player and as a team president, Dumars has an unique insight into what it takes to be a leader in the NBA. We look forward to his visit to Macomb.”
Tickets for the Dumars presentation, which begins at 7 p.m., are $15 or $5 for students/seniors/military. Tickets to the presentation and a 5:30-6:30 p.m. meet-and-greet reception are $30. To purchase Speakers Series tickets, call 586.445-7348 or visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com
While Dumars is the final speaker in a Speakers Series that also included Michigan State University men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, National Public Radio commentator Frank Deford and Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney, more than a dozen free presentations remain on the More Than a Game schedule, including:
“Joe Louis: The Great Black Hope,” 11 a.m. Nov. 5 and 11;
Bill Littlefield, host of NPR’s “Only a Game,” offers his perspective, 2 p.m. Nov. 8;
A history of Detroit sportscasters, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 12;
A history of the Detroit Red Wings, 1 p.m. Nov. 5 and 11.
The More Than a Game exhibit at the Lorenzo Cultural Center features memorabilia from area sports teams, including the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and Pistons, as well as popular college, minor league and youth programs. Videos featuring memorable moments in local sports history will be airing throughout the run of the program. A special exhibit, on loan from the Women Sports Foundation, highlights women athletes.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield & M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the Lorenzo Cultural Center and on the More Than a Game program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu