Dan Campagna '07: From the Field to the Front Office

Whether competing on the field or working behind the scenes, Dan Campagna’s time at Emmanuel College set the stage for his career as a leader in collegiate athletics.

As a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, volleyball, and track & field, Campagna’s passion for sports deepened when he returned to Emmanuel to take on roles in the Athletic Department. The combination of athletic and administrative experience ultimately prepared him for his current role as Athletic Director at Lesley University.

Campagna attended Emmanuel during a transformative era for the College. He enrolled during the College’s historic transition to coeducation, and he was also among the first cohort of male student-athlete recruits. His family legacy—his mother, Susanne DiLiddo Campagna ’75, and aunt, Marie Campagna Franklin ’75, are Emmanuel Alumnae—played a significant role in his decision to attend Emmanuel.

“I wasn’t considering Emmanuel until I joined my mother at an alumni event in the summer of 2003. The moment I set foot on campus, I loved the vibe, the location, the neighborhood, and the campus itself. I met one of the coaches who talked about being a trailblazer, about doing things for the first time, and leaving a mark on campus. That idea of making an impact really appealed to me,” he said.

The Student-Athlete Experience

His experience as a student-athlete shaped his college journey and laid the foundation for his career path. “Being a student-athlete at Emmanuel helped me develop strong time-management skills. I still rely on daily lists and schedules to stay organized and prioritize tasks,” Campagna said. He also values the friendships he built through athletics. “Participating in the athletic programs provided a great way to connect with my peers, and many of those friends remain close to me today.” Reflecting on the lasting impact, he added, “The benefits of being a student-athlete are endless. You gain access to a strong network, both on campus and through the Alumni community, and there’s a real sense of Emmanuel pride that lasts well beyond graduation.”

While studying English and Communications at Emmanuel, Campagna landed a position on the Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park Tour staff, with support from the College’s Career Center. He had the unforgettable experience of working with the team as they clinched the 2007 World Series title. “It was an incredible experience that reinforced my interest in working in sports,” he said.

Navigating the Complexities of Attending Predominantly Female College

In his first few years at Emmanuel, the male-to-female ratio was about 15%-85%, he recalled, and the situation had its challenges. “We were viewed a bit differently by the upperclassmen—the women who enrolled expecting a female-only environment weren't necessarily on board with us at first. But over time, I think we had a positive impact on campus. We showed that we were there for similar reasons: the Catholic intellectual identity, the campus community, and the neighborhood. Once they saw that we weren't just there because of the gender ratio, there was more acceptance,” he said.

As a male student in a predominantly female environment, Campagna gained skills in engagement and adaptability that he uses to this day. "Being in a class where I was the only man was a great learning experience in how to engage and interact appropriately. It’s helped me professionally, too," he explained. He believes these lessons were crucial in shaping his leadership style. "As an athletic director, I’m not the first to jump in with my opinion. I listen, observe, and process before I add to the conversation."

Reflecting on his time at Emmanuel, Campagna credits professors like Dr. Lisa Stepanski, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences for her significant impact on his academic and personal growth. He recalled how Dr. Stepanski’s Persuasive Strategies course was one of the toughest he took at Emmanuel, and he worked hard to earn a B. “I remember talking to her after graduation, and she said, ‘B is a good grade in that class; I give out a lot of Cs and Ds.’ That was a wake-up call,” he said. “It set the tone for the rest of my studies. After that, I didn’t get below an A-.”

While he values his experience working for the Red Sox, the demanding hours made him reconsider his path, leading him to pursue college athletics. After earning his MBA from UMass Boston, Campagna returned to Emmanuel and held several roles over the course of 12 years, including Senior Assistant Athletic Director, Assistant AD, and Assistant Sports Information Director.

“I was able to learn from some of the best in the field at Emmanuel. The experiences I had there gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful athletic program,” Campagna said. “I gained skills in program development, recruitment, and managing a team that have been essential in my role at Lesley. The ability to adapt and lead effectively was cultivated through my years at Emmanuel, and I carry those lessons with me every day.”

His current role as Athletic Director at Lesley University involves overseeing all aspects of the athletic department, from student engagement to scheduling to program development. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the department and fostering an environment that supports student-athletes both on and off the field. “I want to ensure my coaches are on campus and available to support students and help them through their journey,” he explained.

Building Alumni Connections

As a newly elected member of the Alumni Association Board, Campagna hopes to cultivate connections between Alumni and current student-athletes. "I’d like to continue building these relationships. There’s an opportunity to tap into their support for current student-athletes through donations or mentoring," he said. He also envisions offering more Alumni events, particularly those focused on former athletes, to encourage participation and engagement, providing opportunities for Alumni to return to campus and see firsthand the campus upgrades and enhancements.

Campagna has advice for those following in his footsteps: “Find a graduate program that offers assistantships. These positions provide invaluable experience and connections that can lead to future opportunities.” He encourages young Alumni to embrace various opportunities as they arise, as they can pave the way for a successful career in sports administration.

“I believe the experience you gain in college and your willingness to work hard are crucial. Being a student-athlete taught me to listen, observe, and process before jumping in, skills that I use daily as an athletic director,” he said.

Dan Campagna embodies the spirit of Emmanuel College—one defined by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to community. "Emmanuel shaped who I am today. It gave me the tools to succeed and a network of incredible people. I’m proud to be an alum," he said.