KAPPAS IN SPORTS
Martin Jarmond: The Caretaker of An Unparalleled Athletic Legacy
By Clarence Tucker
M artin Jarmond (Mu Nu 1998) is no stranger to trailblazing achievement. In 2017 at age 37 he be- came the youngest athletic director in the Power Five and the first African American Athletic Director in Boston College his- tory. In July of 2020 he was named the Athletic Director of the most successful and, boasting alumni such as Brothers Arthur Ashe (Upsilon 1963) and Walt Hazzard (Upsilon 1961), in addition to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Wooden, and the incomparable Jackie Robinson, un- doubtedly the most socially important ath- letic department in US history. Brother Jarmond was gracious enough to sit down
caretaker for this prestigious program. Its something that I never envisioned, but everything happens for a reason and God put me here for a reason and I am going to carry that out and see it through. The Journal: Being the first African American and the youngest AD in UCLA’s storied history, has the gravity of the fact that you yourself are a trailblazer hit you, and in what ways? Jarmond: It has not because when I think of a trailblazer, I think of people like Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe you know those are trailblazers to me. I don’t see myself in that light. It’s not lost on me that I’m the first, but I’m more hon- ored to be that because we are all here to make whatever we are a part of better. And I want to make this place better. To with The Journal staff amid this challeng- ing time in the world of intercollegiate athletics and discuss a myriad of subjects. To give us some insight on the keys to his success, the impact of Kappa Alpha Psi ® on his life, particularly the multigenera- tional legacy of Kappa in his family, and
offer some advice to those who may want to follow in his footsteps. This brother is a dynamo. He is all about positive energy, and we are sure that will come across loud and clear in this interview.
The Journal: Good afternoon Brother Jarmond. Thanks for taking tame out of your schedule to do this interview. We certainly appreciate.
me the most important thing is leaving that path well-tended so that those who come behind you can excel and do even greater things and move it forward. So from that standpoint it’s not lost on me in being the first African American AD here, but it’s not something where I call myself a trailblazer because I don’t see myself in the same light as those trail- blazers who have walked this campus and been legendary in their pursuits and contributions to society. Not just UCLA, but to society and the world. The Journal: Well, allow me to tell you that you absolutely are a modern trail- blazer brother. Jarmond: It’s weird, it’s so weird. I don’t see myself like that, but I appreciate the acknowledgement.
Jarmond: Thanks for having me. It is an honor brother.
The Journal: So how does it feel to be the caretaker for the most successful, and boasting trailblazing alumni such as our fraternity brothers Arthur Ashe and Walt Hazard in addition to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Wooden and the great Jackie Robinson, the most socially important and influential college ath- letic department in US history? Jarmond: Its humbling. Its humbling. You know you mention those names. Great brothers, trailblazers its humbling to have my named mentioned as the
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