DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics hosted its annual Endowment Celebration on May 13 at the UC Davis Conference Center, bringing together student-athletes, donors, coaches, alumni and campus leaders for an evening centered on philanthropy, connection and the lasting impact of endowed support.

The annual event highlighted the important role endowments play in creating opportunities for Aggie student-athletes and supporting the future of UC Davis Athletics. Throughout the evening, donors and student-athletes connected through conversations and shared stories about the impact scholarships and endowed support have had on their experiences at UC Davis.

Currently, UC Davis Athletics holds 85 endowed funds supporting 71 student scholarships, three coaching positions, one director position and 13 programmatic and departmental initiatives. Together, those funds represent an investment value of more than $12 million and are projected to provide more than $408,000 in annual support in 2026.

This year, UC Davis Athletics also recognized 16 newly established endowments:

• The George and Elizabeth Barnes Award for Men's Golf

• Michael Go Women's Tennis Endowment

• Michael Go Sports Medicine Fund

• Michael Go Director of Sports Medicine Fund

• Joe Carlson, John Frost, J.B. Hollis, Donald Moore and Dick Lewis Men's Basketball Endowment

• Dr. Liz Applegate Class of '78, Ph.D. '83 Field Hockey Scholarship

• Elaine P. Scott Women's Swimming and Diving Scholarship

• UC Davis Track & Field Program Endowment

• John C. and Patricia M. Dean Athletics Support Fund

• Lucio Gough Women's Tennis Award

• Lucio Gough Men's Tennis Award

• Lucio Gough Excellence Award

• Harry L. Montfort Intercollegiate Golf Fund

• Baseball Hall of Fame Endowment

• Coaches Legacy Women's Tennis Prize

• Coaches Legacy Men's Tennis Prize

"Endowments are transformational because they create opportunities that impact student-athletes long after their time at UC Davis," Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca said. "Every scholarship, coaching endowment and program fund represented tonight reflects a belief in our students and in the future of Aggie Athletics. Seeing our donors connect directly with the student-athletes they are supporting is one of the most meaningful parts of this evening and a reminder of how powerful this community truly is."

The evening was emceed by former longtime Women's Swimming and Diving Head Coach Barb Jahn and featured a special conversation centered on a women's swimming and diving endowment established in memory of former Aggie student-athlete Ellie Gerhardy.

Ellie's sister, Liz Gerhardy di Carpegna, reflected on Ellie's life, her experience at UC Davis and their family's decision to create an endowment in her honor. Current Women's Swimming and Diving Head Coach Matt Macedo and student-athletes Ella Palmer, Mackenzie Young and Olivia Andersen also shared how scholarships and donor support have impacted their journeys as Aggies.

"Support like this gives our student-athletes the opportunity to fully invest in their experience at UC Davis — academically, athletically and personally," Macedo said. "These endowments create opportunities that extend far beyond competition and continue to impact our students long after they graduate."