FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Fairfield University Department of Athletics has plenty to celebrate after closing out a very successful fiscal year in fundraising, receiving approximately $5.4 million in cash from over 1,800 alumni, parents, and friends from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 for scholarships, capital projects, and athletic operations. This was an increase of 58% over the prior year. 
 
"Our ardent and loyal supporters are vital to the success of Fairfield University Athletics, and the outstanding achievements of our student-athletes in competition and in the classroom are a testament to that support," said Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann. "We are grateful and proud that so many of our constituents have chosen to invest in our student-athletes and programs. This outpouring of generosity has inspired and energized all of us in Athletics – student-athletes, coaches and administration – to continue to strive for excellence in all of our endeavors in this coming academic year and beyond."
 
Many initiatives implemented by our Athletics Advancement team were strategically collaborative and significant in helping the University achieve its fundraising goals.
 
STAGiving Day: On, Tuesday, March 20, 2018, Fairfield University hosted its fourth annual STAGiving Day, receiving a record $276,624 for Athletics programs, a 55% increase from 2017.
 
Capital Gifts: Of the overall amount raised during Fiscal Year 2018, $4.2 million in capital gifts were received which will serve to enhance facilities and strengthen team performance. If the projects completed in FY18 are any indication of what's to come, donors are sure to be motivated to continue their support. New and renovated facilities completed during the 2017-18 academic year included:

• The Pino Golf Studio - Established through the generosity of Vic Pino '73 and his family. The indoor swing simulator serves as the year-round home of Fairfield men's and women's golf and includes a lounge area and practice putting green.
• Fueling Station - Dedicated to student-athletes and constructed in the Walsh Athletics Center weight room, its purpose is to provide post-workout nutrition to student-athletes as meal enhancements. Sodexo provides the food offerings under the guidance of the nutritionist on staff.
• Student-Athlete Academic Center – This renovated space in the Walsh Athletics Center includes new study areas, tutoring offices, a conference room, a computer lab, and new branding to serve as a premier learning environment throughout the school year.

Endowment: Friends of Athletics contributed just over $205,000 in endowment gifts. These funds will be used to provide scholarships for student-athletes in need of financial assistance, and to ensure that student-athletes are equipped with the resources they need to be successful during competitions and in the classroom.

Operational:  Alumni, parents, and friends continue to support the day-to-day operations of athletics programs, giving just short of $900,000. These funds were used to support the program needs of our 20 varsity sports in the areas of team travel, equipment and nutrition. Additionally, trips such as the women's soccer team's travel to England and the baseball team's travel down south for spring training were funded through support from their respective friends programs. New projects also completed this year through support from friends groups include new branding in the volleyball, field hockey and women's soccer locker rooms.
 
"The generosity and support displayed by our Fairfield family today ensures the future success of our student-athletes tomorrow," said Executive Director of Athletic Development and Senior Associate Director of Athletics Nick Wormley. "I am so grateful for our Friends of Fairfield Athletics boards because of their time and commitment to our mission and for truly embodying what it means to be a Fairfield Stag"
 
The amazing level of commitment displayed by the Fairfield community for its athletics programs is evident in the successes achieved by student-athletes. In 2017-18, the Stags excelled in competition, achieving five MAAC championships in men's soccer, field hockey, volleyball, women's swimming & diving and women's lacrosse. This is the first time the Stags have won five MAAC championships in an academic year since 1999-00. Additionally, men's basketball advanced to the MAAC Championship Game and softball reached the MAAC Championship Final. Due to these many achievements, Stags, parents, alumni, and friends are eager to continue this momentum and look forward to the upcoming 2018-19 season.
 
Gifts from Friends of Fairfield Athletics supplement the Department of Athletics operating budget, making much-needed enhancements possible for teams' daily operations.  These contributions also help build a solid foundation for the future of Fairfield Athletics. To learn more about Friends of Fairfield Athletics or to make a gift, visit fairfield.edu/giveathletics or call (203)-254-4000, ext. 2474.