EMU Athletics Department Goes 'All In', Giving Back to Athletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – After an internal staff campaign to reach 100 percent giving participation to EMU Athletics, the goal has been reached and the Eastern Michigan University Athletics Department is 'All In' for the inaugural year of Eagles Pride. Eagles Pride is the newly created fundraising arm for Athletics and supports all 21 varsity sports at Eastern Michigan.

Since the beginning of the Fall season, more than 80 full-time coaches, administrators and staff across the athletics department were invited to join Eagles Pride. The intent was to show alumni, fans and the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor community that the whole department is united in growing support from within. The result was a tremendous success as every full-time coach, administrator and staff member is now a donor to EMU Athletics through giving to Eagles Pride. More than $16,500 was raised in the campaign.

"We are so appreciative of our coaches, administrators and staff that gave personal gifts to support EMU Athletics through our Eagles Pride 'All In' Campaign," remarked Associate Athletic Director for Development Dan McLean. "It is a powerful message of internal belief and generosity that we now want to take externally. We invite all alumni and friends of Eastern Michigan University to continue this positive momentum and support our student-athletes through giving to Eagles Pride."

Having the full support of the athletic department is only the beginning. Athletic Development is now working on a Student-Athlete 'All In' Campaign, 'Sport Clubs' related to sport specific giving efforts and a major gift society for the benefit of athletics among other projects for 2015.

Alumni and fans have a variety of ways to give back to Eastern Michigan Athletics. Those options include: becoming a season ticket holder and going to games, supporting EMU student-athletes through becoming a member of Eagles Pride or investing in the future of the department with a contribution of a major gift for facilities upgrades or a planned gift to leave a legacy at Eastern Michigan.

"As we talk about the future of Eastern Michigan Athletics with our alums and donors, being able to share with them that our entire athletic staff has committed financially and believes in our shared vision, I know that will resonate with them," stated EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "Moreover, it is our hope that it will inspire them to be more involved as well. I am extremely proud of our department for all that it does to make EMU a special place."

What EMU Coaches have to say...

"Being 'All In' is something as coaches that we pride ourselves in achieving with our student-athletes each and every year. We pride ourselves in getting our student-athletes to commit 100%: to be 'All In' to our programs philosophies and core values. I am equally as excited to hear that as a department, we can say that we have committed 100% to bettering our EMU student-athletes' experience! It's an exciting time to be involved in EMU Athletics and being 100% 'All In' means we are one step closer to meeting the high expectations that we have all set for ourselves. I am proud to be an Eagle today and every day!"
   - Melissa Gentile, Head Softball Coach

"On the water, on the field, and on the court we ask our athletes to go all out for EMU. The least I can do is go all in for them. I am proud to give back to a team that gives so much. Now is a chance for everyone to go 'All In' for the Eagles."
   - Kemp Savage, Head Rowing Coach

"All facets of our team budget to ensure a competitive position and opportunity for our athletes are great financial challenges. The generosity and assistance we receive from alums and friends is gratefully appreciated and has always been a significant help in being a part of our team effort, success and tradition."
   - John Goodridge, Head Men's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach

"This is an exciting time for our department and having coaches and staff members 'All In' shows the commitment that we all have to the success of the our sports teams. It's great to be a part of the EMU Eagle family!"
   - Sue Parks, Head Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach

"There is no question how important support of our football program is through giving as we continue to build and 'Close The Gap' on the competition. We were glad to accept the 'All In' challenge and hope this is a statement toward our commitment to making you proud."
   - Chris Creighton, Head Football Coach

"Earlier this year we hosted a wonderful donor event called "Party In the Paint," where our players got to sit down and share dinner with some of our donors. This great interaction served as a reminder to our own staff that we wanted to take the extra step and all become donors as well so we were excited to participate in the 'All In' initiative."
   - Tory Verdi, Head Women's Basketball Coach

"There is a rich tradition and great support in the EMU Baseball family. Being a new head coach and staff, we wanted dive right in and be a part of it. I hope this efforts helps us continue to grow".
   - Mark Van Ameyde, Head Baseball Coach

"Being a head coach with some tenure in the department, it is exciting to see new initiatives like this, our 'Eagles FC' sport club and other opportunities through Eagles Pride. Getting to 100% strengthens our belief for where we are going".
   - Scott Hall, Head Soccer Coach

"Wrestling has such a passionate and supportive base at Eastern Michigan that joining the All In effort through our new 'Eagles Elite Wrestling Club' sport club was the least that I could do."
   - David Bolyard, Head Wrestling Coach

"Since joining the EMU Athletics family, we've been working tirelessly to build a program that our staff, student-athletes and administration can be proud of. We preach to our current student-athletes along with our alumni how important it is to buy in and support athletics. It's extremely important for our entire department to buy in as well. Our basketball theme the past two seasons has been "All In" so I truly believe everyone should make the effort to be "All In" to support not only our program, but all EMU athletic programs."
   - Rob Murphy, Head Men's Basketball Coach

"Being 'All In' is just a way of life for our athletic department staff. Everyone wants to see our Student Athletes be successful both on and off the golf course and everyone contributing financially proves it. This says to our fans, boosters and alumni that we all need to step up and be 'All In' together. Please, join us as we continue to support our wonderful student-athletes. It is a great time to be a Eagle!"
   - Sandy Wagner, Head Women's Golf Coach

"The new energy in our Dapartment of Athletics is demonstrated through our Eagles Pride initiative. These gifts will allow us to continue the very best student-athlete experience possible and remain competitive not only in the MAC, but nationally as well."
   - Bruce Cunningham, Head Men's Golf Coach

"With our entire staffing going 'All In' it shows that we are committed to excellence in our athletic department as development is a key component to success."
   - Ryan Ray, Head Tennis Coach

Eastern Michigan Athletics

EMU Athletics Department Goes 'All In', Giving Back to Athletics

Related Videos