Kent State Athletics Posts Record Year For Fundraising
8/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
KENT, Ohio — Kent State's athletic fundraising efforts continue to match the championship level reached by the Golden Flashes teams on a yearly basis, as the department recorded a record $4.7 million in total giving for 2010-11.
"Our passionate constituency understands the private support needed to fund a top tier athletic program," says Associate Athletic Director & Executive Director, Athletic Advancement Matthew R. Geis. "Whether our needs are academic, operational or capital they continue to step up as leaders to help facilitate an outstanding student-athlete experience."
The number represents a 22 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. The biggest growth came in the athletic annual fund, which saw a 43 percent jump to $714,836. New pledges were up 21 percent to just over $3 million, while capital and endowment gifts brought in $903,135 — a 13 percent bump.
Numerous projects crucial to Kent State maintaining its place among the top programs both regionally and nationally are looming in the future, including the Dix Stadium locker room facility to benefit the Golden Flashes field hockey, women's soccer, softball and track teams and a potential remodel of the M.A.C. Center.
"Funding challenges are ever present and the importance of cultivating new donors and growing our current support is at the forefront of what we do," says Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "Due to the generous support of our donors, we're able to continue providing championship experiences for our student-athletes."
Along with Geis, the advancement staff is comprised of Assistant Athletic Director Markus Jennings, Associate Director for Athletic Special Events & Special Projects Alicia Gaffney, Director of The Golden Flashes Club Jim Hofbauer, Director of Athletic Donor Relations & Reporting Amy Morris, Director of Athletic Alumni Relations Kara Warnke Mayle, Assistant Director of The Golden Flashes Club Greg Keys and Administrative Assistant Linda Schuck.
For more information on supporting Kent State Intercollegiate Athletics, please contact Matthew R. Geis at 330-672-2093 or mgeis@kent.edu.
