The addition of Division I men's and women's ice hockey topped a list of four recommendations on athletics presented to Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid today (June 12) by a Blue Ribbon panel on athletics.

The panel also recommended that the university:

* Build a new multi-purpose facility on Wayne State University's campus which will house the Division I hockey program and intercollegiate basketball program, and will also provide competition, intramural and recreation space for activities such as basketball, volleyball, recreational skating and ice hockey programs. The funding for the new facility should come from major private gifts and grants;

* Immediately enhance current Division II programs to elevate WSU's teams to amore competitive and successful level; and

* Within a five-year time frame, file formal application to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to move the entire athletic program to Division I status, including Division I/AA scholarship football.

Panel chair Bill Brooks, chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber, announced the recommendations at a noon news conference at WSU's Matthaei physical education complex. He said the group envisions an ice hockey/basketball facility that will seat about 7,000 spectators.

President Reid and Board of Governors Chair Denise Lewis expressed their appreciation to the panel.

"I accept the panel's recommendations with gratitude. But with the realization that this only completes phase one," Reid said. "Now we begin phase two. How do we accomplish these goals both physically and in a fiscally responsible manner?" He added he would ask Athletic Director Robert Brennan to examine the entire program and Reid's additional recommendation that the university also consider track and field activities.

With regard to timing, Reid said he would like to begin making recommendations to the Board of Governors in July.

He also noted that panel member Peter Karmanos, the chief executive officer of Compuware, has agreed to lead a private fund-raising effort to finance the multi-purpose facility.

Governor Lewis thanked the panel and noted that three governors -- Vernice D. Anthony, Elizabeth Hardy and Leon Atchison -- served on the 20-member panel.

Wayne State University currently competes in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and participates in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference.