SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — In recognition of their hard work and commitment to Dominican University of California, the Department of Athletics is hosting Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night on Monday, Feb. 11, when the Dominican women's and men's basketball teams host rival Dixie State College.

The women's team tips off at 5:30 p.m. while the men's game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Dominican Athletics owes a large part of its success to the dedication of Dominican's faculty and staff. Dominican Athletics has earned the PacWest Academic Achievement Award for three straight seasons and Dominican student-athletes earned an overall average GPA of 3.36 for the fall 2012 semester, the highest semester average ever. More than 80 percent of Dominican student-athletes had individual GPAs greater than 3.0 and all teams had an average GPA of 3.0 or higher, another first.

“I would like to thank our faculty for their strong support of our student-athletes over the years,” said Dr. Christopher Leeds, a professor in the School of Business and Leadership and the University's faculty athletic representative. “Without the guidance that they provide, our student-athletes' success in and out of the classroom would not be possible.”

The first 50 Dominican faculty and staff to attend Monday night's games will receive a free t-shirt.  Additionally, there will be raffles throughout the evening for Dominican Athletics shirts and other gear. Athletics staff will also be passing out coupons for faculty and staff good for a free beverage with any purchase at the snack bar.

As always, admission to Athletics events is free for Dominican faculty and staff with a valid Penguin Pass (staff ID).