Central Michigan University Athletics

10/1/2026 2:48:00 PM | General, Our Stories
As I reflect on the incredible progress we have made together at Central Michigan Athletics, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead. The success of our Maroon & Gold BOLD Capital Campaign is a testament to the passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment of our CMU Athletics family.
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Because of the support of our alumni, donors and friends, we raised $26.2 million for departmental priorities during Maroon & Gold BOLD, the most ambitious fundraising effort in CMU Athletics history. Together, we have invested in projects that enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen our facilities, and position our programs for long-term success. Most importantly, these investments demonstrate a shared belief in the power of athletics to enrich lives, build leaders, and create lasting pride for our university.
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The momentum generated through this first phase has been remarkable, but our work is far from finished.
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Today, we are excited to embark on Phase II of Maroon & Gold BOLD, an effort focused on elevating Central Michigan Athletics to even greater heights. At the heart of this next phase is the development of a proposed state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a cornerstone for student-athlete success.
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The facility would provide enhanced training, recovery, nutrition, sports medicine, and performance resources that enable our student-athletes to compete and thrive at the highest level. In today's collegiate athletics landscape, access to world-class performance facilities is no longer a luxury. It is an expectation. This project will help ensure that Chippewa student-athletes have every opportunity to reach their full potential both in competition and in the classroom.
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Phase II will also focus on completing the fundraising efforts for our new men's and women's golf practice facility. The excitement surrounding this project continues to grow, and for good reason. Once completed, the facility will provide our golf student-athletes with a premier training environment that strengthens recruitment, development, and competitive success. We are close to reaching our goal, and we look forward to crossing the finish line together.
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Equally important, we will continue working to increase operational support across our athletic programs. While facilities play a critical role in student-athlete development, the day-to-day resources that fuel our programs are just as essential. Increased operational support helps give our coaches the best opportunity to recruit and retain student-athletes to help us continue to lead Mid-American Conference, in addition to providing countless opportunities that directly impact the student-athlete experience.
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None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without the generosity of our current donors. On behalf of every student-athlete, coach, and staff member here at Central Michigan Athletics, thank you! Your belief in our mission has created opportunities that will benefit generations of CMU Chippewas. You have helped us build momentum, achieve meaningful milestones, and create a stronger foundation for future success.
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As we look ahead, we also know there are many members of the CMU Athletics family who have yet to join this effort. If you have been considering getting involved, there has never been a better time. Every gift makes a meaningful impact. Whether supporting a specific sport, contributing to new proposed facility, helping to complete the golf practice facility, or invest in any other area of the athletic department, your generosity directly enhances the experience of our student-athletes.
Â
The future of Central Michigan Athletics will be shaped by the collective commitment of those who believe in our mission. Together, we are building even greater opportunities, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that future generations of Chippewas have the resources they need to compete, succeed, and make us proud.
Â
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us boldly pursue excellence. The next chapter of Maroon & Gold BOLD begins now, and I invite you to join us as we continue building a championship future for Central Michigan Athletics.
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Fire Up Chips!
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Amy Folan
Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics
Central Michigan University
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Because of the support of our alumni, donors and friends, we raised $26.2 million for departmental priorities during Maroon & Gold BOLD, the most ambitious fundraising effort in CMU Athletics history. Together, we have invested in projects that enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen our facilities, and position our programs for long-term success. Most importantly, these investments demonstrate a shared belief in the power of athletics to enrich lives, build leaders, and create lasting pride for our university.
Â
The momentum generated through this first phase has been remarkable, but our work is far from finished.
Â
Today, we are excited to embark on Phase II of Maroon & Gold BOLD, an effort focused on elevating Central Michigan Athletics to even greater heights. At the heart of this next phase is the development of a proposed state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a cornerstone for student-athlete success.
Â
The facility would provide enhanced training, recovery, nutrition, sports medicine, and performance resources that enable our student-athletes to compete and thrive at the highest level. In today's collegiate athletics landscape, access to world-class performance facilities is no longer a luxury. It is an expectation. This project will help ensure that Chippewa student-athletes have every opportunity to reach their full potential both in competition and in the classroom.
Â
Phase II will also focus on completing the fundraising efforts for our new men's and women's golf practice facility. The excitement surrounding this project continues to grow, and for good reason. Once completed, the facility will provide our golf student-athletes with a premier training environment that strengthens recruitment, development, and competitive success. We are close to reaching our goal, and we look forward to crossing the finish line together.
Â
Equally important, we will continue working to increase operational support across our athletic programs. While facilities play a critical role in student-athlete development, the day-to-day resources that fuel our programs are just as essential. Increased operational support helps give our coaches the best opportunity to recruit and retain student-athletes to help us continue to lead Mid-American Conference, in addition to providing countless opportunities that directly impact the student-athlete experience.
Â
None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without the generosity of our current donors. On behalf of every student-athlete, coach, and staff member here at Central Michigan Athletics, thank you! Your belief in our mission has created opportunities that will benefit generations of CMU Chippewas. You have helped us build momentum, achieve meaningful milestones, and create a stronger foundation for future success.
Â
As we look ahead, we also know there are many members of the CMU Athletics family who have yet to join this effort. If you have been considering getting involved, there has never been a better time. Every gift makes a meaningful impact. Whether supporting a specific sport, contributing to new proposed facility, helping to complete the golf practice facility, or invest in any other area of the athletic department, your generosity directly enhances the experience of our student-athletes.
Â
The future of Central Michigan Athletics will be shaped by the collective commitment of those who believe in our mission. Together, we are building even greater opportunities, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that future generations of Chippewas have the resources they need to compete, succeed, and make us proud.
Â
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us boldly pursue excellence. The next chapter of Maroon & Gold BOLD begins now, and I invite you to join us as we continue building a championship future for Central Michigan Athletics.
Â
Fire Up Chips!
Â
Amy Folan
Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics
Central Michigan University
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