University of Connecticut Athletics
Thank You, UConn Nation
8/10/2022 1:29:00 PM | General
Dear UConn Nation
I write to you today to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued generosity in support of the student-athletes who bring a great deal of pride to the university community and the state of Connecticut.Â
The landscape of our industry continues to experience seismic change and with every shift, I become more confident that our decision to seize control of our destiny and join the BIG EAST Conference was in the best interest of our student-athletes, supporters and future. The 2021-22 season saw our teams capture seven BIG EAST Championships while competing in beautiful state-of-the-art facilities that have transformed the southwest portion of our campus.
Burrill Family Field, Elliot Ballpark, and the Rizza Performance Center are some of the finest facilities in the country and would have continued to exist only on blueprints and imagination had it not been for the philanthropic spirit of UConn Nation. During the upcoming academic year, we will add another magnificent destination to the athletics neighborhood on campus with the opening of our new hockey arena. We embrace the fact that Connecticut expects its flagship university to operate at an elite level in all facets, including athletics success in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. We strive to achieve that directive every day, and your continued generosity is critical in that endeavor.Â
I'm humbled by the fact that UConn Nation continues to rise to the occasion and would like to share some numbers that help illustrate how committed our fans are to our success. Fiscal year 22 (FY 22) saw philanthropic donations rise to $23.6 million, which was the third-highest total in our history and marked a 12 percent increase from FY 21. FY 22 also saw 6,125 people donate to athletics, which marked the highest membership since FY 08.Â
While we have worked together to support our programs at an elite level, more work needs to be done for us to achieve our mission of providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes. Actively supporting our student-athletes in the areas of mental health services, nutrition, academic advising, student-athlete development, and continued facilities enhancements is of the utmost importance, and we need to continue to count on you to help us deliver in these areas.
The donations you make have a critical impact on the well-being of our student-athletes and on the long-term financial health of UConn Athletics. We do not enjoy all the financial advantages that some of our competitors have at their disposal, but as you continue to display, we do have the unwavering support of people like you.Â
On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, allow me to thank you for your support once again. We simply could not be who we are, and operate at the level that we do, without you.Â
Gratefully yours,
