Welcome to Fundraising Friday, AB Today's weekly digest of recent developments in development.
Utah State University vice president and director of athletics Cameron Walker announced Monday an anonymous gift of $2.5 million over five years, as the Aggies begin their inaugural 2025-27 seasons in the Pac-12 Conference. Utah State Athletics recently launched the Show Me initiative, aimed at strengthening the department as it enters the Pac-12, with specific 6- and 18-month goals. Investments play a key role, including contributions to the Blue A Society, which require donations of $25,000 or more over five years. The $2.5 million gift counts toward USU's $20 million goal in cash and pledges by August 1, 2026.
Western Michigan University Athletics has announced last week over $2 million dollars in anonymous gifts from a group of alumni in support of the men's and women's soccer programs. According to WMU's announcement, the gifts will fund two major facility enhancements with the installation of stadium lighting at the WMU Soccer Complex and new professional-style sideline benches and shelters, and will also fund critical championship-level program support for both the men's and women's soccer programs. The upgrades are part of the broader Soccer Complex enhancement project outlined in WMU Athletics' comprehensive facility strategic plan, the full scope of which also includes an upgraded scoreboard, enhanced restroom facilities and dedicated team locker rooms.
Bradley University is adding five premier club sports for women, thanks in part to a $1 million from longtime supporters Nick and Nancy Owens. Hockey is set to launch in the upcoming fall semester, and flag football will begin in spring 2027, followed by soccer, stunt and wrestling. As reported Wednesday by NBC affiliate WEEK in Peoria, Ill., university leaders said the expansion is aimed at not only adding athletic competition, but building campus life and attracting students.
Valparaiso University basketball program alum Donald Fites has committed $1 million to match a recent gift of the late Paul Schrage and his widow Jan Schrage to provide championship-level resources to the men's basketball program and its student-athletes, according to Thursday's announcement. The gift comes after head coach Roger Powell Jr. led the team to its highest regular-season win total in league play since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
Drake University's athletic department announced a $1 million gift from alumni Bill and Linda Weidmaier, a commitment that will strengthen Drake men's basketball and enhance the future of the Knapp Center arena. According to Sunday's announcement, $500,000 will establish a new endowment to support Drake men's basketball, while the remaining $500,000 will fund improvements to the Knapp Center, including the development of a new mezzanine-level hospitality suite. The Knapp Center improvements will enhance the game-day environment and create new opportunities to engage donors, alumni and fans in one of the most fan-friendly venues in college basketball.
Total amount of these gifts:
$7,500,000
Running total for 2026:
$258,075,000
Total amount tracked by AB Today in 2025:
$1,671,578,500
