spotlight Multimillion-Dollar Momentum
NCAA DIVISION I TRANSITION FUELS UNPRECEDENTED SUPPORT FROM DONORS AND FANS By Keith Pierce
Queens had much to celebrate as the Royals made their Division I debut in the women's soccer home opener last August. Excitement for the university's first competition since joining the ASUN Conference was matched only by the university's athletic fundraising momentum. By then, several Charlotte leaders stepped up to support the university's move to Division I with $2 million in philanthropic contributions. Since the transition to NCAA Division I was announced, philanthropic support for Queens' athletic programs has tripled, with signs of even more growth on the horizon. Investments in the transition to D1 are part of
the university's larger strategic initiatives, including a comprehensive suite of investments across the university in enrollment, academic programs, health and wellness, facilities and the arts. Jeffrey "JB" Brown MBA '03, CEO of Ally Financial and chair of the Queens Board of Trustees, saw the impact this move to D1 could have on the trajectory of the university saying, "I'm proud to be a part of a diverse board made up of dedicated business, civic and community leaders who believe in this university, believe in the leadership of President Lugo and his team, and
believe with our help, this incredible university can achieve the vision outlined in its strategic framework." He continued, "That's why it doesn't surprise me at all to
see that so many others in and beyond the board room have joined Sara and me in stepping up to invest in the future of Queens."
Charlotte leader and university trustee Mary Anne "M.A."
Boldrick Rogers was among the first to recognize the time was right for Queens to further invest and commit to excellence in all endeavors including moving to Division I. Brown and Rogers were joined by trustee families Karen and Brandon Perry, principal at Highmarket Properties, and Susan and Bob Salvin, founder and CEO of Salvin Dental Specialties, in making leadership gifts to support the D1 transition. "We are so grateful to these Queens community members
and families for this incredible display of support for our D1 transition," said Queens University of Charlotte President Dan Lugo. "These investments and the broad community support behind them validate our goal of growing as a central partner in the continued growth of Charlotte and affirms our unique and dynamic position within the higher education market."
Game jersey and ball signed by each member of the Women's Soccer Team was presented to President Lugo and Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout during the team’s Division I debut home opener.
Photo by: Amy Hart
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
