Thank you, Diane, for your reply!

Yes, we are in complete agreement. GMU is a most excellent school, especially the great diversity found on campus. Since we left metro D.C. in 1997, my daughter, still a little girl at that time, has always been axious to return to the area; the primary reason being the myriad cultures that reside in the region. I have always exposed her to diverse cultures and she has a genuine appetite for learning more about this crazy, yet still wondrous world. An appreciation for cultural diversity is something that my eldest daughter also shares. She is an Associate Registrar at Mason.

Please give my best to Derrick. I am sure that he is in good hands with the aquatics program coaching staff. Not sure what direction my daughter will go in sports programs at GMU, but I am optimistic that she will have benefit of dedicated, attentive coaches, something I feel there was a paucity of during her high school career.

Certainly, we should chat sometime about our mutual media interests. I have creative urges (e.g., writing) that simply won't be silenced. I have authored 19 plays and find the live experience of theatre a compelling, insatiable draw. Yet, my chief interest in all media (theatre, film, television and the Internet alike) is that it is an educational tool, unparalleled in it's potency. But there is no greater media than television, film and the Internet, e.g., for delivering messages. The audience is only limited by worldwide population.

As you can see, I am genuinely excited about what I do. With both my children now residing in metro D.C., I frequently make trips to that area. Perhaps we can make an introduction of our two GMU students and also find an opportunity to "talk shop."

Peace & Blessings!

Terrance

Good Morning! I noticed that you all have a son at George Mason who is a diver. My daughter is a freshman there, who swam competitively and ran track for most of her high school career. I am very proud of her that in her first year she is dedicated her time to her studies, settling in to the academic demands of college. She has expressed some interest in track for next year, but what can you tell me about the swimming program at GMU. How large... ethnic diversity... coaching staff?

Thanks!

Terrance

Diane,
Good to see you on the site. It's the wave of the swimming future.

Rage on!

Lee

Hi Diane,
We love that u r lovin this site. Derrick is just a freshman?? Awesome!!! He has potential. Get him rubbing elbows with every Diving Clinic personnel USA has to offer, or contact John Cruzat, Diversity Specialist with USA Swimming. Your family sounds very atheletic and good to hear your younger son is no short stop(no pun intended!!!). Keep us posted on Derrick's continued success, and that of his younger brother. God Bless You Diane. Darrick aka dswimmerman

Hi Diane,
Welcome to the site and hope you find it as enjoyable as I have.
Do take time to view the web, and join us in some of the group discussions of interest to you. Nice video of Derrick. Hope to see him in future Olympic Competition, representing!!!!!! Take Care and God Bless You. Darrick aka dswimmerman

Hi Diane: I saw your last name and wondered if we could be related. I live in Toledo, Ohio. My father John Butts was born in Chattanooga TN - any relation?