Univ. of Akron Donors Zip Up Athletic Improvements

Entering 2022, the University of Akron (UA) Athletic Department announced a series of new initiatives made possible through the generous commitment of pledges and gifts totaling $4.7 million from key donors. These donations make possible the establishment of critical renovations to existing facilities for basketball, track and field, and facilities upgrades and overall support for the football program.

“We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the people who have stepped up and made a commitment to our program and our student-athletes,” UA Athletic Director Charles Guthrie said. “Our fundraising team has quickly identified where we can make improvements to help our coaches and student-athletes compete for championships. We are excited to have donors aligned with our vision and willing to invest in these significant projects. We can’t thank them enough and look forward to continued engagement with our Zips supporters to help accelerate our growth.”

Guthrie outlined two strategic areas of focus for this combined commitment and additional commitments to Akron Athletics in the future:

Facilities Maintenance and Upgrades: The bulk of the $4.7 million commitment announced will contribute to a new practice facility for men’s and women’s basketball; complete renovation of the outdoor track and field complex, a new dryland facility for the swimming and diving program, and a new turf surface for InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

Student-Athlete Well-Being and Experience: Resources will also be committed to enhancing the student-athlete nutrition program with additional offerings to provide the healthy fuel needed to optimize performance for mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, these commitments will enable improved access to technology for student-athletes’ collaboration and competitive performance.

“I want to personally thank Roger and Sally Read, Mary and Rollie Bauer, Kitty and Tom Dindo, and those who chose to remain anonymous for their leadership gifts to accelerate our progress,” Vice President of Advancement Kim Cole stated. “The energy and excitement from our fans, friends, and alumni is incredible. It’s good to be part of this winning team of contributors and to be involved in supporting our Zips. I look forward to continuing conversations with others who want to be a part of this momentum.”

Gift commitments are included in UA Athletics’ participation in the University’s “We Rise Together – The Campaign for The University of Akron,” launched in March of 2020 with a goal of raising $150 million in new funds for the University. A key area for the campaign is to “Live up to our promises” and donations to Akron Athletics enable the program to deliver excellence to nearly 500 student-athletes.

“Our primary goal with these capital projects, and in all that we do, is to live by our motto Blue Collar. Gold Standard,” added Guthrie. “We are committed to making the right investments to enhance our student-athletes experience and to help them compete for championships. On behalf of the entire University, we are focused on being wise stewards of these tremendously impactful gifts.”

For more information on The Campaign for The University of Akron or to support Akron student-athletes, contact the Akron Zips Athletics Development Office at (330) 972-4887 or CLICK HERE