Colgate Athletics Reaches All-Time High of $2.35 Million Raised; Includes Record Number of Donors
The books have closed on a historic 2016 fiscal year for Colgate Athletics, with all-time benchmarks set in a number of areas.
Colgate Athletics fundraising reached a record high of $2.35 million collectively raised by the department’s 18 varsity sports support groups, Colgate Athletic Council and recreation and club sports support groups.
Colgate’s $2.35 million raised was raised from 4,434 donors, also a new high. This record-breaking year represents a 21 percent increase in dollars raised and a 35 percent increase in donors over the previous fiscal year.
In addition to the team’s annual appeals, the numbers were bolstered by the very successful March Mania Challenge. For the challenge, a group of supporters pledged a combined $63,000 if 1,313 donors made gifts to Colgate in the month of March.
Not surprisingly the number quickly was eclipsed, with 1,592 alumni, student-athletes and parents eventually taking part with a donation of $13 or more.
“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our alumni, family and friends, annual support for Colgate Athletics reached new heights this year in support of our student-athletes,” said Colgate Vice President and Director of Athletics Victoria M. Chun ’91, MA’94. “These funds are critical each year and will be invested into our programs to further enhance the student-athlete experience at Colgate, and to better position our teams for success in all areas.
“As a proud Colgate alumna, I am continually blown away with the passion and devotion of Colgate supporters, and I want to thank all who contributed to Colgate Athletics this fiscal year.”
Class of 1965 Arena Opening Soon
Adding to this strong annual support, the Colgate athletic department received tremendous backing from its donor base for capital projects. This is highlighted by construction of the $37.8 million Class of 1965 Arena that opens in the fall. The facility will house Colgate’s hockey, soccer and lacrosse programs.
Colgate relies heavily on the annual investment of Raider Athletics supporters to ensure that student-athletes continue to receive an opportunity to obtain a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the country, while competing at the highest level of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics. Philanthropic support provides vital resources for coaching, enhanced recruitment, equipment upgrades, facilities improvement, additional team training and travel, among many other things.
Please consider investing in Colgate Athletics today by visiting www.colgate.edu/