Welcome to Fundraising Friday, AB Today's weekly digest of recent developments in development.
Texas State University athletics and Hays Electrical Services have announced a historic, long-term partnership supporting the department's new era as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. The comprehensive partnership includes a $10 million capital commitment, the third-largest one-time commitment in Texas State University history and the largest capital projects commitment in Texas State Athletics history — alongside a multiyear corporate partnership with Texas State Sports Properties, bringing the partnership's total potential value to more than $11 million. Per the Sept. 28 announcement, $8 million of the capital commitment will support construction of the recently announced University Fieldhouse, while $2 million will support construction of the softball and baseball performance center. The partnership will also establish mentorship, internship, leadership development and career pipeline initiatives connecting Texas State students and student-athletes with opportunities across Hays Electrical Services.
Southwest Minnesota State University announced Oct. 2 that it has received a historic $5.5 million leadership gift from the Schwan's Corporate Giving Foundation to support the development of the Southwest Minnesota Indoor Sports and Recreation Dome. The gift represents the largest single gift in the university's history. Once completed, the Southwest Minnesota Indoor Sports and Recreation Dome will provide expanded opportunities for SMSU students through recreation, health and wellness programs, athletic development, and campus engagement. The facility will also serve as a regional asset, offering year-round space for youth sports, camps, tournaments, community walking programs, fitness activities, and special events.
Former University of Virginia softball pitcher and longtime program supporter Lisa Palmer has made a new $4 million commitment to endow the program’s head coaching position and provide additional support for the Virginia Softball Enhancement Fund. According to the athletic department's announcement Thursday, the gift establishes the Palmer Family Softball Head Coach position in perpetuity, helping Virginia attract and retain exceptional leadership for the program. Palmer’s investment in the Softball Enhancement Fund will provide resources to address evolving program priorities and enhance the experience of Cavalier student-athletes.
University of South Dakota graduate Jim Clement, a 1988 USD graduate and current senior vice president at RBC Wealth in Rapid City, S.D., has committed a $1 million gift to USD Athletics to be used at the discretion of the athletics director to meet the department's greatest needs, according to the athletics department's Wednesday announcement.
Total amount of these gifts:
$21,500,000
Running total for 2026:
$727,228,347
Total amount tracked by AB Today in 2025:
$1,671,578,500
