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Strengthen ICA's Commitment to Student-Athletes by Donating to the Edwards Family Athletics Center
DAVIS, Calif. – A strong competition season was matched by a record-breaking level of support from Intercollegiate Athletics donors throughout the 2019-20 fundraising year. Donors' philanthropic spirit led to a record-breaking total of $7.36 million, an amount that shattered the previous department mark of $6.04 million raised during the 2018 fiscal year.
Included in last year's overall total are four major gifts of $1 million or higher.
"When I stared here at UC Davis over four years ago, it was clear that a primary accelerator for our growth was going to be a robust and successful fundraising operation. Through the efforts of thousands of alumni, families, and friends of UC Davis Athletics, we are now seeing the impact of philanthropy for our programs," said Director of Athletics
Kevin Blue.
The most successful fundraising year in Intercollegiate Athletics' history also allowed the department to break ground on the
Edwards Family Athletics Center and Bob Biggs Practice Field — a transformational capital investment that will enhance student-athletes' personal growth, academic, athletic and post-graduate success.
"From each of our 25 sports teams to the construction and completion of needed capital improvements, it is all possible due to their generosity. But we clearly aren't done."
Blue added: "With the upcoming Champions Adapt Challenge and further work to do on the Edwards Family Athletics Center, we are doing everything we can to position our student-athletes for a successful career at UC Davis, and beyond."
During a challenging situation that took place last spring, ICA's donors helped the department provide major financial support to UC Davis Medical Center during Give Day through its
COVID-19 Relief Fund.
UC Davis' annual 29-hour spring fundraising drive also created an opportunity to
directly provide financial support for UC Davis student-athletes who incurred unforeseen expenses related to COVID-19's impact.
Through sponsorships and season ticket purchases, Athletics' corporate partners and fans also played a key role in creating the best possible undergraduate experience for over 700 student-athletes who compete on one of the 25 Division I teams.
By securing commitments from over 50 partners, a total that includes Sports 1140 KHTK and its renewed deal to air UC Davis football and men's basketball games on the region's No. 1 sports station, ICA experienced a 14 percent year-over-year growth in 2019-20.
That level of growth jumps to 85 percent — a figure rarely enjoyed by any athletics department in the country — when Athletics' corporate support is viewed over a three-year timespan.
Highlighted by season tickets purchased for home football, men's and women's basketball games, combined with a new UC Davis Health Stadium attendance record — which took place during last year's Battle for the Golden Horseshoe rivalry game vs. Cal Poly — and a sold-out men's soccer home NCAA Tournament Second Round match against Louisville, ticket revenue increased 20 percent last year.
Revenue collected from ticket sales allowed ICA to invite more than 1,000 local elementary school students to the Pavilion for the inaugural Field Trip Day basketball game and STEM Fair last February.
As UC Davis Athletics begins the 2020-21 season and navigates its way through an unprecedented situation, donor support will play a crucial role in securing the necessary resources to maintain and elevate the department's student-athlete experience. Providing support through Team Aggie, and the upcoming Champions Adapt Challenge — a week-long fundraising push starting October 12) — will enable student-athletes to enjoy an uncommon level of academic and athletic success this year.
Visit
TeamAggie.com to find an option that best fits your desired level of support.
ABOUT UC DAVIS
With the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, more than 700 student-athletes represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation on one of 25 intercollegiate athletics teams.
UC Davis, a national leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, is centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley; and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
Ranked annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with
Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.
