Welcome to Fundraising Friday, AB Today's weekly digest of recent developments in development.
Longtime Michigan State University supporter and alum Aaron Zeigler has made a $10 million commitment to FOR SPARTA, building on his long-standing relationship with the university and his dedication to Spartan Athletics. According to MSU's Thursday announcement, the gift will be used in support of Spartan football, including improvements at Spartan Stadium, site of core memories for so many MSU alums, including the Zeigler family. It also represented the second $10 million donation to FOR SPARTA announced this month.
A $2 million gift from Karen and Bruce Moore of Nashville, Tenn., promises to help propel the future of the University of Mississippi's golf programs, funding a modern new facility that will support generations of Rebel student-athletes. Per the university's announcement Oct. 17, Ole Miss will apply the Moore name to its new golf building, which will feature administrative and coaches' offices, and player lounges designed to enhance the experience and development of both men's and women's golf student-athletes. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
Silveria and Chester Hufstedler have made a historic $1.02 million gift to the University of North Texas athletics department. According to Tuesday's announcement from Mean Green Athletics, the donation represents the fourth-largest cash gift in department history and provides transformational support across six key areas of the Mean Green student-athlete experience: Mean Green Scholarship Fund, Athletic Center Expansion Project Phase II, Green Lights Fund – Men's Basketball, Green Lights Fund – Women's Basketball, Football Discretionary Fund and Academics Restricted Fund.
Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., announced Tuesday a historic $1 million commitment from Vincent G. Lobdell Sr., his son Vincent "Vinny" G. Lobdell Jr., and daughter-in-law and alumna Susan "Suzie" Hillenbrand Lobdell '15 to support the Le Moyne Athletic program. The investment will enhance the student-athlete experience, expand operational resources, and strengthen the continued growth of Le Moyne's Division I athletics program.
Total amount of these gifts:
$14,020,000
Running total for 2026:
$748,608,347
Total amount tracked by AB Today in 2025:
$1,671,578,500
