Eastern Michigan Athletics

Graphic: Record Donations for 2024 Fiscal Year

EMU Athletics Closes Out Another Record-Breaking Fundraising Year

8/21/2024 3:00:00 PM | Baseball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's XC, Women's XC, Football, Soccer, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, Volleyball, Women's Golf, Women's Rowing, Gymnastics, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, General, Lacrosse

Fiscal year 2024 was the best in department history

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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) –
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics announced today, Aug. 21, it broke another all-time fundraising record in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024), building momentum in a multi-year trend of raising the bar in development.

EMU Athletics secured more than $14.5 million in pledges and commitments through the unwavering generosity of alumni, fans, and friends, marking the highest total in the Department's history. This milestone surpasses the previous record of $9.8 million, set in Fiscal Year 2020. Contributions were made to various areas, including the Eastern Athletic Fund, sport-specific crowdfunding initiatives, capital projects, and legacy giving, all of which are crucial in supporting the 500+ student-athletes who proudly represent the Green and White.

"On behalf of Eastern Michigan Athletics, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to our incredible group of supporters," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "Our department is committed to providing a world-class experience for our student-athletes in the classroom, in the community, and in competition. This commitment is made possible by the remarkable generosity of our donors, who enable us to compete at the highest levels year-round."

"This year's unprecedented success in fundraising reflects the unwavering commitment of our donors, alumni, and supporters," said Dan McLean, EMU Senior Associate AD for Development. "Their generosity not only strengthens our programs but also enhances the experience of our student-athletes in meaningful ways. Every gift, large or small, plays a crucial role in our mission to develop champions both on and off the field. We are profoundly grateful for their continued dedication to Eastern Michigan Athletics."
 
The second phase of the Championship Building Plan was launched in 2023-24, which included the resurfacing of football's Rynearson Stadium and removing the existing track, building a new outdoor track & field complex, and upgrading baseball's Oestrike Stadium. The success of the plan included a $2.5 million donation from Regent Emeritus Phil Incarnati for the Incarnati Athletic Center, a $1 million contribution from Maxx & Rachel Crosby for Crosby Field, and a $2 million pledge from Keith Moore & Dan McClory for the new outdoor track & field complex.
The year was topped off by a generous commitment from GameAbove, which reflects the belief in the potential of the men's and women's golf programs to achieve greatness, with up to $7 million committed to the programs in future seasons.

These landmark contributions are essential to the ongoing success of EMU Athletics, helping to provide state-of-the-art facilities and resources that benefit current and future student-athletes. Since Wetherbee's arrival in Ypsilanti in 2017-18, Eastern Michigan has brought in more than $36 million in cash and pledges.

For more information on the Eastern Athletic Fund and how you can contribute to the continued success of EMU Athletics, please visit EasternAthleticFund.com.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University's rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 158 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit http://EMUEagles.comEMUEagles.com.
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