The Chippewa baseball program has achieved yet another milestone. The program recently received its largest financial commitment and one of the largest commitments in athletic department history to date.
An anonymous donor gifted $500,000 in support of the Performance Development Center, a capital project that will bring a state of the art indoor training facility to Theunissen Stadium. In addition, the donor has also pledged another $500,000 in support, as a dollar for dollar match towards all new commitments made to the Performance Development Center. When realized, this seven figure investment and the matching gifts that it generates will meet the fundraising goal for the project and establish a new capital fundraising record for the Chippewa baseball program.
“This gift is certainly a difference maker for our program,” Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said. “To have a donor share in our championship vision and invest in a manner that will make it a reality is tremendously rewarding. I am ecstatic for our student-athletes, grateful for the generosity shown and believe that the rest of the Chippewa family will step forward to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity.”
Efforts have already begun to secure the $500,000 in new matching gift commitments for the Performance Development Center. Donors will have until June 1, 2016 to meet the $500,000 threshold and be a part of the matching gift campaign.
“The excitement and energy around our program is at an extremely high level,” head baseball coach Steve Jaksa said. “Our players and recruits now know this project is going to happen and understand the impact that it will have on their ability to compete for championships. We have been blessed by this leadership gift, and need our entire baseball community to help us secure and sustain our vision. We are determined to make the most of this opportunity and we will use it in a manner that will truly impact our program for years to come.”
