Bucknell University Athletics
Bison Club Sets New Donor Mark in 2007-08
8/18/2008 8:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 18, 2008
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Bison Club, the official fundraising arm of the Bucknell University Athletics Department, achieved a record-setting number of annual donors this past year, Bucknell Athletics Director John Hardt announced today.
The number of donors to the Bison Club, the athletics annual fund which supports all of Bucknell's 27 varsity sports programs and student-athletes, increased to 3,827 for the 2007-08 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. These donors combined to contribute more than $1.64 million in 2007-08, marking the fifth straight year the Bison Club has topped the $1 million mark.
"The membership numbers posted in 2007-08 reflect the hard work of our Bison Club and development staff, and the continued commitment of our loyal alumni and fans," Hardt said. "We are so very fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated core of athletics donors at Bucknell, and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support of our varsity programs. The consistent support we receive from our parents, alumni and friends continues to be impressive."
In addition to a record number of annual donors to the Bison Club in 2007-08, a record number 4,029 combined annual and capital donors also supported the program. Both numbers have increased in each of the past five years.
"After navigating through a restructuring of our Bison Club board in 2002-03, and adding some full-time athletics fundraisers shortly thereafter, it's not surprising to me that we have seen steady growth in these areas," commented Todd Newcomb, Associate AD and Director of the Bison Club.
Bison Club Board & Sport Programs Have Successful Year
For the first time in the brief history of the restructured Bison Club, the Bison Club Board of Directors had a 100-percent participation rate with their fundraising solicitations in 2007-08. The Bison Club Advisory Board had a 91-percent participation rate, and the two boards combined were responsible for more $131,000 of donations to Bison athletics.
"The importance of our Bison Club Board of Directors and Advisory Board can not be overstated, and I want to thank them for a job well done," said Newcomb. "Our volunteers assist us in raising the funds necessary to provide a quality Division I athletics experience for the more than 750 student-athletes here at Bucknell."
Sport-specific fundraising also hit an all-time high during the 2007-08 fiscal year, as 80 percent of the Bison sport programs reached their fundraising goals. Of the four programs that did not reach their goals, three finished at 88 percent of their goal or higher.
"This has our best year yet in terms of individual sport fundraising," said Newcomb. "While this is a great accomplishment for our varsity programs and is a tribute to the great work of our head coaches, we will need to maintain a focus on raising unrestricted Bison Club gifts as well."
Student-Athlete Thank You Calls Continue to be a Huge Hit
Providing stewardship to our donors has always been a big area of emphasis for the Bison Club. The most effective way to do so has been through the student-athlete thank you calling sessions that are carried out each spring. More than 250 Bison student-athletes ascended upon the calling room in Cooley Hall last April to reach out and thank the supporters of the Bucknell athletics program. The practice has been going on for the past 10 years and has been met with positive feedback from both the student-athletes and the donors.
2008-09 Bison Club Campaign Underway
The Bison Club is already accepting donations towards its 2008-09 annual fund drive. For more information, or to make a gift to the Bison Club, you can donate ONLINE, or contact the Bison Club office at one of the following numbers: 570-577-1771, 570-577-3549 or 570-577-1912.
