As a former Student Athlete of Northwestern University and a current member of the Board of Trustees, I feel compelled to address recent events within our athletic department.

While I don’t have access to the investigative report and cannot comment on the specific allegations, it is important that the university and external parties involved approach this matter with respect and fairness towards all NU student athletes.

During this sensitive period, my thoughts go out to every student who has been affected by the allegations. I hope they recover well, and I trust that the University will take the necessary steps to address any shortcomings and rectify the situation. It is also crucial to remember that the actions of a few individuals do not define our institution and the values it upholds.

Since my graduation, approximately 20,000 student athletes have become alumni, achieving remarkable careers across various fields. NU consistently boasts among the highest graduation rates among Division 1 athletics and our athletes have received more All Big Ten academic awards than any other  school . The dedication of our athletes to community service also exemplifies the exceptional character of the majority who proudly wear (and wore) the purple.

Each athlete has a unique journey, filled with moments of triumph, growth, challenges and disappointments. While we all aspired to start and be recognized for our talents by our coaches, not every desire was fulfilled. Losses and injuries often took an emotional toll. I understand this firsthand.

However, as former athletes, we were privileged to compete at the highest level of collegiate sports while simultaneously receiving an education from one of the nation’s top universities. The vast majority of athletes who have represented NU on the courts and playing fields understand and value this privilege. They strive to represent the school and themselves at the highest level in their everyday lives.

In my commitment to supporting our student athletes beyond their competitive years, I, along with senior NU leadership, established a program called NU For Life. This program aims to equip our athletes with the skills and resources necessary for success once their athletic careers conclude. NU attracts some of the finest student athletes in the world, and it is our duty to empower them to thrive both on and off the field.

NU continues to provide countless exceptional athletes with the opportunity to receive an outstanding education and become part of a supportive community that enriches their lives for years to come. This has been the case for many decades, and it will remain so in the future.

These issues are complex, and within the stories of those 20,000 individuals lie a multitude of perspectives. It is crucial that we approach this situation as a learning experience and collectively strive to make our already distinguished university even better.

Go Cats.

David Kabiller is an NU trustee and co-founder of AQR Capital Management. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.