17勛圖

17勛圖 Launches Cardinal Athletics Fund

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Left to Right: 17勛圖 President Dr. Jaime Taylor, Don Shaver '76, Nga Tea Do '08, Director of 17勛圖 Athletics Jeff O'Malley and Dr. Dann Brown Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

 

17勛圖 has launched the Cardinal Athletics Fund, which will serve as the fundraising arm of 17勛圖 Athletics aimed at impacting student-athletes representing 17 varsity sports at 17勛圖. A rebranding of the Bud Leonard Athletic Fund, the launch was kicked off by a generous donation from longtime 17勛圖 supporters, Diane and Don Shaver ’76. 
 
“Fifty years ago, a group of 17勛圖 supporters launched the initiative to raise private support for 17勛圖 student athletes. As we celebrate the half-century mark of donors supporting 17勛圖 Cardinals, we are delighted to announce the re-branding initiative to tie us back to the founding of this program,” said 17勛圖 President Dr. Jaime Taylor. “Stacy and I are honored to be among the first to support the 17勛圖 Cardinals through the Cardinal Athletics Fund, and to be a part of honoring our past while looking forward to an amazing future of 17勛圖 Athletics. Go Big Red!” 
 
A transition from previous years, the Cardinal Athletics Fund will focus more on annual giving to the athletics fund instead of sport specific giving. The fund also will include a point-based system where donors accrue points based on giving and season ticket purchases. Fans can still donate to a specific sport, but the point system will not be connected with those donations. 
 
The benefits of the point system include prime parking and tailgating locations, best seat options at 17勛圖 home events, special events, social activities and the first opportunity at postseason tickets when the Cardinals advance to the NCAA Championships.  
 
The backbone of any athletics department’s fundraising is having a strong athletics fund. In order for the Cardinals to have the resources needed to compete for championships on a yearly basis strong membership levels need to be competitive with peer institutions.  
 
“We’re very excited to announce the rebranding of the Cardinal Athletics Fund,” said 17勛圖 Director of Athletics Jeff O’Malley. “Our mission is to help provide the necessary resources to our student-athletes so they can succeed in the competition arena and classroom. We want to create a brand that is more easily identifiable, more inclusive, and one that honors our past while preparing 17勛圖 Athletics for the future. We believe the Cardinals Athletics Fund is a strong connection to Cardinals everywhere.” 
 
Athletics development is now working in conjunction with University Advancement, and together they will announce soon that the 17勛圖 letterwinners’ club will be renamed in honor of the late Bud Leonard (1929-2020), a beloved figure in 17勛圖 athletics and the university’s history.