Central Michigan University Athletics
Generous CMU Fans Show Student-Athletes Support
8/1/2018 12:00:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
New Locker Rooms, Facilities, Upgrades Result from Fundraising
Thank you.
My mom and dad taught me early on (as Laura and I have taught our daughters) that these two words ought to be a regular part of my vocabulary.
In looking back on my first year as director of athletics at Central Michigan University, I realize the spirit of gratitude conveyed by these two words only begins to express my feeling of appreciation for the CMU family.
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Thank you to the generous members of the Chippewa Athletic Fund. When we closed the books on the 2018 Fiscal Year on June 29, we closed the books on the strongest fundraising year in CMU Athletics history. Your generosity made this happen.
Members of the CAF, which grew by 15 percent, surpassed the previous record total from fiscal year 2011 by 50 percent and made a bold statement about their support of the men and women who wear the maroon and gold.
I'll borrow a phrase from fooball coach John Bonamego who often talks about football being a "show me" not a "tell me" business. Friends of CMU Athletics certainly showed our student-athletes just how much they support them.
Thank you to the CMU Athletics facilities team, our university partners and everyone involved with the recent facilities boom going on south of Broomfield Road.
Our gymnastics, soccer and field hockey student-athletes will reap the benefits of the many improvements happening in the athletics corridor. From new training facilities to new locker rooms to brand new turf, respectively, these critical infrastructure upgrades will provide a better experience for current Chippewa student-athletes while also providing coaches with vital tools to build the future through recruiting.
At the intersection of fundraising and facilities lies one project that has been a priority for me from day one – The Chippewa Champions Alumni Center. As I look back on how far this project has come in just over 365 days, there is not enough room in this chat to thank the many people involved. Perhaps most important are the generous donors who, through their gifts and their input, have brought this shared vision into full focus in a short amount of time. I hope you have enjoyed hearing some of their stories of Chippewa pride.
We are moving ever closer to a finalized timeline for this project. The diffuse benefits offered by this facility coupled with the robust, private support we have already enjoyed have led to a positive reception. I look forward to sharing more on this in the near future.
Speaking of university leadership, I will reserve a final and profound thank you to President George E. Ross, who just yesterday completed his tenure leading Central Michigan University. Dr. Ross allowed me the privilege to lead this department, and his counsel and leadership over this past year have been invaluable.
Dr. Ross and his wife, Elizabeth, epitomize what CMU is all about. Laura and I will cherish their friendship and look to follow their example in the years to come. We join so many of you in extending our thanks and best wishes to the Rosses as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Thank you, and Fire up Chips!
Â
My mom and dad taught me early on (as Laura and I have taught our daughters) that these two words ought to be a regular part of my vocabulary.
In looking back on my first year as director of athletics at Central Michigan University, I realize the spirit of gratitude conveyed by these two words only begins to express my feeling of appreciation for the CMU family.
Â
| Fire Up Chat Archive |
|---|
| • Aug. 1, 2018: Generous CMU fans show student-athlete support • May 23, 2018: Commitment in classroom leads to lifelong success • April 16, 2018: Spring success continues trend of exceeding expectations • March 13, 2018: Champions! Special group of student-athletes launches March • Feb. 19, 2018: Building up CMU through facilities, new diversity program • Jan. 15, 2018: Second semester starts with victories, good news • Dec. 11, 2017: Champions Alumni Center end-zone project taking shape • Nov. 6, 2017: Your invitation to join our "all-in" mentality • Oct. 10, 2017: Together, we help CMU student-athletes reach their potential • Sept. 8, 2017: Matching your passion for CMU as we transition to be the best |
Members of the CAF, which grew by 15 percent, surpassed the previous record total from fiscal year 2011 by 50 percent and made a bold statement about their support of the men and women who wear the maroon and gold.
I'll borrow a phrase from fooball coach John Bonamego who often talks about football being a "show me" not a "tell me" business. Friends of CMU Athletics certainly showed our student-athletes just how much they support them.
Thank you to the CMU Athletics facilities team, our university partners and everyone involved with the recent facilities boom going on south of Broomfield Road.
Our gymnastics, soccer and field hockey student-athletes will reap the benefits of the many improvements happening in the athletics corridor. From new training facilities to new locker rooms to brand new turf, respectively, these critical infrastructure upgrades will provide a better experience for current Chippewa student-athletes while also providing coaches with vital tools to build the future through recruiting.
At the intersection of fundraising and facilities lies one project that has been a priority for me from day one – The Chippewa Champions Alumni Center. As I look back on how far this project has come in just over 365 days, there is not enough room in this chat to thank the many people involved. Perhaps most important are the generous donors who, through their gifts and their input, have brought this shared vision into full focus in a short amount of time. I hope you have enjoyed hearing some of their stories of Chippewa pride.
We are moving ever closer to a finalized timeline for this project. The diffuse benefits offered by this facility coupled with the robust, private support we have already enjoyed have led to a positive reception. I look forward to sharing more on this in the near future.
Speaking of university leadership, I will reserve a final and profound thank you to President George E. Ross, who just yesterday completed his tenure leading Central Michigan University. Dr. Ross allowed me the privilege to lead this department, and his counsel and leadership over this past year have been invaluable.
Dr. Ross and his wife, Elizabeth, epitomize what CMU is all about. Laura and I will cherish their friendship and look to follow their example in the years to come. We join so many of you in extending our thanks and best wishes to the Rosses as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Thank you, and Fire up Chips!
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