Department raised $506,797 in combined donations, matching funds
DURHAM, N.H. – A vigorous surge in alumni contributions from men's hockey along with the men and women's ski program's fundraising acumen propelled UNH Athletics to lead all campus entities in dollars raised and gifts procured during The (603) Challenge, the University's annual giving campaign.
When all matching dollars and bonus funds were factored in, the total impact to the athletic department was an all-time record $506,797.
"We are so thankful to our dedicated alumni, benefactors, staff and student-athletes who demonstrated their support by donating during The (603) Challenge," said UNH Director of Athletics Marty Scarano. "The generosity of our UNH Athletics family goes a long way in helping create an exceptional student-athlete experience."
One year removed from only receiving 13 donations from former players, the men's hockey program obtained gifts from 89 alumni (a 585% increase from 2018). Additionally, every member of the current team donated, which helped the program raise $27,367 from its supporters. Dan Enders '00 (right) with head coach Mike Souza '00 (left), Steve O'Brien '99
"The response from the alumni group was truly amazing," said Dan Enders '00. "As we started reaching out to former players, we quickly realized how many guys wanted to help Coach Souza after a successful first year. Former coaches like Coach Holt and Coach Umile built the foundation for future players to be successful, and Coach Souza is looking to take the next step and modernize the UNH program, so we can get back to our rightful place in college hockey, which is competing for national championships.
"Our alumni are going to be a huge part in getting us back there," Enders added. Jack Burns '82 at Men's & Women's Basketball Meet the Team Barbecue Held July 17
Men's basketball alumnus Jack Burns '82 says the sense of duty resonated across all athletic programs.
"This is a great way to pay it forward and celebrate the great experience I had while at UNH. I hope through our fundraising, we can make sure we put our student-athletes in the best possible position to succeed in the classroom and on the court."
Men's basketball increased its gift count from 75 to 107, a 43% increase.
Athletic Department Highlights:
•Athletics raised more than any other college or unit on campus (in gifts and dollars raised)
•Total Donated: $319,196 (24% increase from 2018)
•Number of Gifts: 2,679 (22% increase)
•Number of Donors: 3,360
•Number of Former Student-Athlete Donors: 1,406
•Number of Current Student-Athlete Donors: 145
•Programs that earned 100% giving from current players: men's hockey, women's lacrosse
Most Dollars Raised
Skiing - $105,562 (includes all matching funds)
Most Unique Donors
Skiing - 762
Most Improved Unique Donor % from 2018
Women: Soccer – 40%
Men: Hockey – 150%
The full results of The (603) Challenge are available at www.unh.edu/603.
About UNH Athletics
The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. The university athletic department is dedicated to providing its student-athletes with a collegiate experience that is enriched by their participation in programs that are competitive at the NCAA Division I level both regionally and nationally while always maintaining high standards of academic scholarship and integrity.
About the (603) Challenge
The (603) Challenge is UNH's annual fundraising campaign in which alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students support any area of the university for the chance to amplify the impact of their gift thanks to generous underwriters. From May 19-23, more than 7,060 donors raised over $1.2 million for the University.
