University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Athletics Announces Milestone Gift and 2015 Membership Campaign
February 13, 2015 | General
"I'm passionate about continuing the UMass traditions and seeing the next generation of Minutemen runners compete aggressively," said Legere '80, a former UMass track and field student-athlete. "I've taken these competitive lessons with me into my professional life and I'm having a fantastic time running T-Mobile in a really competitive environment! Every Minutemen runner should have great opportunities to learn and compete, and I'm happy to contribute to that."
UMass Athletics has generated over $23.6 million as part of the UMass Rising Campaign and has 18 more months to reach its $33 million goal. New for 2015, the Minutemen Club is launching 15 in '15, which aims to add 1,500 new donors to UMass Athletics and at least 15 Minutemen Club members in every state by December 31, 2015. With a national donor base that extends across 38 states and five countries, the full potential and impact of UMass Nation has yet to be reached.
The Minutemen Club, which incorporates individual sport giving to all 21 teams at UMass, saw its largest increase in 2014 come from donations to football. With gifts for the new UMass Football Performance Center and the newly restructured Gridiron Club, support to the football program increased 188% in 2014. As part of this increase, annual giving to the Gridiron Club experienced its own 77% increase with newfound energy and a dedicated Board of Directors.
"We are grateful for the support of our fans, donors and alumni who have made meaningful investments in our program," said McCutcheon. "Everyone who is part of UMass Nation plays an integral role in growing our base of support and our donors are making a positive impact on the success of UMass Athletics. This year, new facilities including the UMass Basketball Champions Center, a new field hockey field, and major enhancements to both Garber Field and our Track and Field Complex will continue to provide great experiences for our student-athletes and coaches. The future for UMass is bright and I encourage all Minutemen fans who are not yet members, to join our push to add 1,500 new members in 2015."
Monies raised from the Minutemen Club's efforts not only help with scholarship support for UMass' 750+ student-athletes, but they also help offset the cost of travel, equipment, and other team related expenditures.
Help UMass Athletics continue to make history by investing in the Minutemen Club. Membership starts at only $25 annually with most membership levels qualifying for multiple benefits such as game day parking, preferred seating, and eligibility for post-season tickets. To learn more, visit www.TheMinutemenClub.com or call 413-545-4290.