Princeton University Athletics
Fellows Spotlight: Gene Grossman, Men's Basketball
November 24, 2016 | General, Men's Basketball
Gene Grossman
Jacob Viner Professor of International Economics
Men's Basketball and Football
What do you do at Princeton?
This is my 37th year teaching economics at Princeton in the economics department and the Woodrow Wilson School. For eight of those years, I served as department chair. My specialty is international trade and I teach about trade at the undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. levels. My research has spanned a wide range of trade topics, including the relationship between trade and growth, the relationship between trade and the environment, the politics of protectionism, and the causes and consequences of outsourcing. Needless to say, trade is in the news a lot these days and I am experiencing unusually robust interest in my courses. I have also been an Academic Advisor and Faculty Fellow in Wilson College for many years and have served a multitude of other roles in my long tenure at Princeton.
How did you get involved in the Academic Athletic Fellows Program?
My wife and I have been fanatical Princeton basketball fans since the day we arrived. We were close with a number of players over the years (including current coach Mitch Henderson, in his playing days in the 1990s) and were practically "fellows" before such a designation existed. When Gary Walters began the program in 2000, it was natural that I should be "formally" appointed to continue in a role that I had already been filling. I have continued my close connection to the basketball team through four coaching changes. About a decade ago, I had some interactions on campus with former football coach Roger Hughes, and he asked if I'd be willing to become a two-sport fellow. I have a great relationship with current coach Bob Surace and Associate Head Coach Steve Verbit. So, now you can find me on the sidelines at the football games as well.
What's the most rewarding aspect of being an Academic Athletic Fellow?
That's easy. It's the opportunity to get to know an interested and motivated group of students in a setting that doesn't require any grading or any hierarchical relationships. I try to develop friendships with the student athletes, in the normal sense of that word. I have been thrilled to continue my relationship with more than a few of them after their graduation, and have been on skiing trips with some, visited in Tokyo and Barcelona with others, and attended several weddings. As an avid sports fan, the opportunity to watch "my guys" compete on the court or the field is special. The only problem is that it makes me care too much, and I can no longer relax and enjoy a game until we're ahead by at least 30.
Brett MacConnell, men's basketball assistant coach
"Gene has helped our players to navigate educational and career related opportunities here at Princeton, and provided an open door to his office to give advice or just simply connect as friends. He truly cares about each of our players success both on and off the court. To some, he is even considered an extension of their family."
ARCHIVES:
Karen Jezierny - Women's Basketball
Patrick Moran - Men's Lacrosse
Ramona Romero - Field Hockey
Corina Tarnita - Men's and Women's Basketball
Jacob Viner Professor of International Economics
Men's Basketball and Football
What do you do at Princeton?
This is my 37th year teaching economics at Princeton in the economics department and the Woodrow Wilson School. For eight of those years, I served as department chair. My specialty is international trade and I teach about trade at the undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. levels. My research has spanned a wide range of trade topics, including the relationship between trade and growth, the relationship between trade and the environment, the politics of protectionism, and the causes and consequences of outsourcing. Needless to say, trade is in the news a lot these days and I am experiencing unusually robust interest in my courses. I have also been an Academic Advisor and Faculty Fellow in Wilson College for many years and have served a multitude of other roles in my long tenure at Princeton.
How did you get involved in the Academic Athletic Fellows Program?
My wife and I have been fanatical Princeton basketball fans since the day we arrived. We were close with a number of players over the years (including current coach Mitch Henderson, in his playing days in the 1990s) and were practically "fellows" before such a designation existed. When Gary Walters began the program in 2000, it was natural that I should be "formally" appointed to continue in a role that I had already been filling. I have continued my close connection to the basketball team through four coaching changes. About a decade ago, I had some interactions on campus with former football coach Roger Hughes, and he asked if I'd be willing to become a two-sport fellow. I have a great relationship with current coach Bob Surace and Associate Head Coach Steve Verbit. So, now you can find me on the sidelines at the football games as well.
What's the most rewarding aspect of being an Academic Athletic Fellow?
That's easy. It's the opportunity to get to know an interested and motivated group of students in a setting that doesn't require any grading or any hierarchical relationships. I try to develop friendships with the student athletes, in the normal sense of that word. I have been thrilled to continue my relationship with more than a few of them after their graduation, and have been on skiing trips with some, visited in Tokyo and Barcelona with others, and attended several weddings. As an avid sports fan, the opportunity to watch "my guys" compete on the court or the field is special. The only problem is that it makes me care too much, and I can no longer relax and enjoy a game until we're ahead by at least 30.
Brett MacConnell, men's basketball assistant coach
"Gene has helped our players to navigate educational and career related opportunities here at Princeton, and provided an open door to his office to give advice or just simply connect as friends. He truly cares about each of our players success both on and off the court. To some, he is even considered an extension of their family."
ARCHIVES:
Karen Jezierny - Women's Basketball
Patrick Moran - Men's Lacrosse
Ramona Romero - Field Hockey
Corina Tarnita - Men's and Women's Basketball
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