Íæż½ã½ã

Íæż½ã½ã has launched the Cardinal Athletics Fund, which will serve as the fundraising arm of Íæż½ã½ã Athletics aimed at impacting student-athletes representing 17 varsity sports at Íæż½ã½ã. A rebranding of the Bud Leonard Athletic Fund, the launch was kicked off by a generous donation from longtime Íæż½ã½ã supporters, Diane and Don Shaver ’76. 
 
“Fifty years ago, a group of Íæż½ã½ã supporters launched the initiative to raise private support for Íæż½ã½ã student athletes. As we celebrate the half-century mark of donors supporting Íæż½ã½ã Cardinals, we are delighted to announce the re-branding initiative to tie us back to the founding of this program,” said Íæż½ã½ã President Dr. Jaime Taylor. “Stacy and I are honored to be among the first to support the Íæż½ã½ã Cardinals through the Cardinal Athletics Fund, and to be a part of honoring our past while looking forward to an amazing future of Íæż½ã½ã Athletics. Go Big Red!” 
 
A transition from previous years, the Cardinal Athletics Fund will focus more on annual giving to the athletics fund instead of sport specific giving. The fund also will include a point-based system where donors accrue points based on giving and season ticket purchases. Fans can still donate to a specific sport, but the point system will not be connected with those donations. 
 
The benefits of the point system include prime parking and tailgating locations, best seat options at Íæż½ã½ã home events, special events, social activities and the first opportunity at postseason tickets when the Cardinals advance to the NCAA Championships.  
 
The backbone of any athletics department’s fundraising is having a strong athletics fund. In order for the Cardinals to have the resources needed to compete for championships on a yearly basis strong membership levels need to be competitive with peer institutions.  
 
“We’re very excited to announce the rebranding of the Cardinal Athletics Fund,” said Íæż½ã½ã Director of Athletics Jeff O’Malley. “Our mission is to help provide the necessary resources to our student-athletes so they can succeed in the competition arena and classroom. We want to create a brand that is more easily identifiable, more inclusive, and one that honors our past while preparing Íæż½ã½ã Athletics for the future. We believe the Cardinals Athletics Fund is a strong connection to Cardinals everywhere.” 
 
Athletics development is now working in conjunction with University Advancement, and together they will announce soon that the Íæż½ã½ã letterwinners’ club will be renamed in honor of the late Bud Leonard (1929-2020), a beloved figure in Íæż½ã½ã athletics and the university’s history.