Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Athletics Fundraising Campaign Surpasses $25 Million Goal
6/3/2026 10:41:00 AM | General, Our Stories
Donors elevate student-athlete and fan opportunities, advance leadership in MAC.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan Athletics has exceeded its $25 million goal for its Maroon & Gold BOLD fundraising campaign, as announced by Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics.
Maroon & Gold BOLD supports the experience and well-being of more than 400 student-athletes a year, elevates 17 Central Michigan University varsity sports and enhances CMU's fan experience. It also builds upon CMU's history of leadership in the Mid-American Conference.
"Our generous donors have committed $25.9 million, driving lasting change for CMU Athletics," Folan said. "This is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Central Michigan Athletics history. Surpassing our goal shows how much our athletic programs mean to our alumni, fans and local community."
Jennifer Cotter, CMU's vice president for Advancement, said the five-year Maroon & Gold BOLD initiative is part of an upcoming comprehensive university campaign focused on enriching CMU's legacy and shaping its future.
"We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support behind this initiative and look forward to partnering with our alumni, fans and supporters to continue forging the future of Central Michigan athletics as part of our university campaign," she said.
Folan said creativity and flexibility have enabled donors to invest in areas they care about most. Examples include:
"We remain committed to ensuring Central's varsity sports programs remain highly competitive while providing experiences that shape the knowledge, work ethic and leadership skills of students across campus," Folan said.
Additional campaign milestones include:
Maroon & Gold BOLD supports the experience and well-being of more than 400 student-athletes a year, elevates 17 Central Michigan University varsity sports and enhances CMU's fan experience. It also builds upon CMU's history of leadership in the Mid-American Conference.
"Our generous donors have committed $25.9 million, driving lasting change for CMU Athletics," Folan said. "This is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Central Michigan Athletics history. Surpassing our goal shows how much our athletic programs mean to our alumni, fans and local community."
Jennifer Cotter, CMU's vice president for Advancement, said the five-year Maroon & Gold BOLD initiative is part of an upcoming comprehensive university campaign focused on enriching CMU's legacy and shaping its future.
"We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support behind this initiative and look forward to partnering with our alumni, fans and supporters to continue forging the future of Central Michigan athletics as part of our university campaign," she said.
Folan said creativity and flexibility have enabled donors to invest in areas they care about most. Examples include:
- The McGuirk Family has a decades-long legacy of giving back to CMU. Through a financial commitment in 2022, the McGuirk Family Scoreboard at Kelly/Shorts Stadium was established as part of the Chippewa Champion Center project.
- A gift of $5 million from Thomas 'Rocky' and Tracy Ricelli leads funding support for the construction of an indoor/outdoor, year-round campus golf facility for the men's and women's golf programs. Nearly $7.5 million has been raised for the project with construction set to begin this summer.
- Their experience as CMU Chippewa fans since arriving on campus in 1994 inspired Tim and Sherry Magnusson to make a $2 million commitment to future generations of students. The gift will fund enhancements to CMU student-athlete health and well-being programs, while also supporting students in the College of Business Administration.
- Alumnus Dennis Lautzenheiser and his wife, Vicki, avid athletics fans and university supporters, have given nearly $750,000 to CMU over the past four decades through multiple gifts. These include a commitment to the Chippewa Champions Center and establishment of a scholarship to support undergraduate student-athletes.
- A $350,000 grant from the Parsons Foundation, founded by alumna Renee LaBelle Parsons, '91, and her husband, Bob Parsons, enables CMU Athletics to launch EmpowHER Leadership, a women's student-athlete program that cultivates confidence, resilience and career readiness through mentorship, experiential learning and community impact.
- A legacy gift from Tony and Kim Voisin started the Student Spirit and Traditions Endowment Fund, which provides opportunities for CMU students to be more engaged in athletics during their time on campus. The Voisins, along with lead donors Grant Skomski and Mary Jane Flannagan, shaped the vision for the fund.
- Alumna Marita Hattem-Schiffman and her husband Randy Schiffman pledged more than $1 million to support scholarships and department priorities, including both current-use funding and an estate gift.
CMU Athletics fundraising campaign surpasses $25 million goal
— CMU Athletics (@CMUAthletics) June 3, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/uIeR63to31#FireUpChips 🔥⬆️ pic.twitter.com/42GV4NQtcg
"We remain committed to ensuring Central's varsity sports programs remain highly competitive while providing experiences that shape the knowledge, work ethic and leadership skills of students across campus," Folan said.
Additional campaign milestones include:
- Five gifts exceeding $1 million
- 19 gifts of $100,000-999,999
- 61 gifts of $25,000-99,999
—CMU—
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