During his over 25 years in higher education, Bowling Green State University Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe has learned a thing or two from other university’s athletics programs.

That includes his last gig at the University of Arizona, where he served as the athletics department’s associate vice president and chief operations officer until being hired as BGSU’s 15th AD on October 25, 2022.

He wants to bring some of the best ideas he’s seen here, and that includes a good old-fashioned cookout and networking event for BGSU fans and businesses to start the 2024-25 season.

He’s asking business leaders to join BGSU and the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Business Council as they kick off the 2024 sport season at the inaugural “Business After Hours at the Doyt Perry Stadium” on August 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

“It’s something I’ve done in the past from some of the other places I’ve been,” van der Merwe said. “We’re really getting all of our different sports programs to really understand the value of all of our local business owners and a way to celebrate them and start of the year with a great partnership.”

BGSU Athletics says “this exclusive gathering offers a fantastic opportunity for local business owners, athletic supporters, coaches and staff to network and explore exciting collaboration possibilities.

“Enjoy a relaxed evening with ‘southern BBQ cookout’ and a cash bar as you network with fellow community leaders and gain insights from the dynamic coaches shaping the future of BGSU athletics.

“Bring your business cards to enter giveaways and raffles and exchange with others. Participate in interactive sport games and take photos with BGSU coaches and official gear.”

Van der Merwe says it is the perfect blend of business, community, and sports.

“I think that kicking off our sports season is a great way to talk about how important our community is to our success, and hopefully how important Bowling Green is to the community’s success,” van der Merwe said. “We kind of merge together and kick off the academic year and the sports season with a great partnership right off the bat.

“We’re excited for all of our local businesses to get involved. Please sign up, please RSVP that you are going to be there. We already have a great list of local businesses. We want to maximize this and great everybody involved in this. We want to make this the premier networking event of the year with local businesses.”