PHILADELPHIA - The University of Pennsylvania Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics is excited to announce that the Penn Champions Club surpassed its fundraising goal of $18.7 million during the 2018 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018).  Over 5,200 Penn alumni, family members and fans took part in the historic fundraising year, generously committing over $23.4 million in an effort to positively impact the Penn student-athlete experience. The $23.4 million was spread across annual fund support, endowment gifts as well as capital projects, and represents a new total commitment record for Penn Athletics.
 
"Penn Athletics is extremely fortunate to have great partners throughout our donor base who believe in the mission of college athletics," Dr. M. Grace Calhoun, Director of Athletics and Recreation, said. "This group has consistently answered the call for meaningful support, and this past year, a critical campaign launch year, was certainly no different. Our donors continue to confirm their passion for positively impacting the lives of Penn's current and future student-athletes and I offer my sincere thanks for their generosity."
 
One of the core priorities of the recently-launched Game Onward campaign for Penn Athletics is a focus on growing the athletic-specific endowment. Not surprisingly, the Penn Athletics donor population responded by committing $13.4 million in the form of endowment gifts, establishing a new endowment fundraising record for a single year and raising $5 million more than the previous high amount.
 
Additional highlights for the 2018 Fiscal Year include the highest annual giving year in Penn Athletics history. Donors contributed $6.2 million to help provide a world-class experience for Penn varsity student-athletes. Eleven athletic programs set individual team fundraising records, including: basketball, field hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, lightweight rowing, soccer, sprint football, swimming, tennis and wrestling.
 
"I would like to thank all the alumni, parents and friends who invested in Penn Athletics this year," Tim Folan, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Alumni Relations, said. "We are extremely fortunate to have one of the most loyal and dedicated donor bases in all of college athletics and we are excited to continue the great work that is being done through the end of the campaign and beyond."

For those interested in learning more about supporting Penn student-athletes, please contact the Penn Champions Club at (215) 898-4717 or visit http://gameonward.pennathletics.com.