Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan Athletics Announces Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II
10/1/2026 12:10:00 PM | General, Our Stories
Fundraising Initiative Builds on Transformational Success of Phase I and Advances CMU's Forge the Future Campaign.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan Athletics today announced the launch of Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II, the next chapter of its athletics fundraising initiative that will build upon the transformational momentum of the initiative's first phase while advancing the priorities of Central Michigan University's Forge the Future campaign.
Maroon & Gold BOLD surpassed its original $25 million fundraising goal, raising more than $26.2 million from over 3,000 donors from July of 2021 through the end of June 2026. Fueled by that extraordinary philanthropic support, CMU Athletics is now expanding the initiative's vision and setting a new fundraising goal of $50 million.
Phase II will focus on garnering donor support for strategic investments that enhance the student-athlete experience for all sports now and in the future, and position CMU Chippewa Athletics for sustained success. Chief among those priorities is a proposed state-of-the-art facility envisioned to provide all student-athletes with comprehensive next-level training, nutrition, care and support that will improve their overall well-being while also enhancing their performance. The initiative will also work to support the completion of fundraising for the CMU Men's and Women's Golf Practice Facility, a landmark project currently under construction.
In addition to facility enhancements, Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II will rally donor investment for student-athlete excellence initiatives, strengthening operational resources across all programs, expanding opportunities for coaches to recruit and retain top talent, and creating meaningful experiences that directly support student-athlete success in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
"Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II is a continuation of the vision our supporters embraced when this journey began," said Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics. "The success of the first phase demonstrated what is possible when the CMU Chippewa community comes together around a shared commitment to excellence. This next phase will allow us to build on that foundation and make even more significant investments in our student-athletes, facilities, and sport programs. Together, we are creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on generations of CMU Chippewas."
The initiative reflects the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the growing need to provide exceptional resources, experiences, and opportunities for all student-athletes. Investments generated through Phase II will strengthen Central Michigan's ability to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding student-athletes while enhancing the overall experience for fans, alumni, and supporters.
Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II also serves as a key component of Forge the Future, Central Michigan University's comprehensive fundraising campaign aimed at advancing student success, academic excellence, innovation, research, and institutional impact.
Maroon & Gold BOLD surpassed its original $25 million fundraising goal, raising more than $26.2 million from over 3,000 donors from July of 2021 through the end of June 2026. Fueled by that extraordinary philanthropic support, CMU Athletics is now expanding the initiative's vision and setting a new fundraising goal of $50 million.
Phase II will focus on garnering donor support for strategic investments that enhance the student-athlete experience for all sports now and in the future, and position CMU Chippewa Athletics for sustained success. Chief among those priorities is a proposed state-of-the-art facility envisioned to provide all student-athletes with comprehensive next-level training, nutrition, care and support that will improve their overall well-being while also enhancing their performance. The initiative will also work to support the completion of fundraising for the CMU Men's and Women's Golf Practice Facility, a landmark project currently under construction.
In addition to facility enhancements, Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II will rally donor investment for student-athlete excellence initiatives, strengthening operational resources across all programs, expanding opportunities for coaches to recruit and retain top talent, and creating meaningful experiences that directly support student-athlete success in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
"Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II is a continuation of the vision our supporters embraced when this journey began," said Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics. "The success of the first phase demonstrated what is possible when the CMU Chippewa community comes together around a shared commitment to excellence. This next phase will allow us to build on that foundation and make even more significant investments in our student-athletes, facilities, and sport programs. Together, we are creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on generations of CMU Chippewas."
The initiative reflects the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the growing need to provide exceptional resources, experiences, and opportunities for all student-athletes. Investments generated through Phase II will strengthen Central Michigan's ability to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding student-athletes while enhancing the overall experience for fans, alumni, and supporters.
Maroon & Gold BOLD Phase II also serves as a key component of Forge the Future, Central Michigan University's comprehensive fundraising campaign aimed at advancing student success, academic excellence, innovation, research, and institutional impact.
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