DENVER – The University of Denver Athletics Department has launched the "Gold Standard", a philanthropic giving society to benefit all 18 varsity athletic programs.
"As the Pioneers continue to compete at the highest level against some of the largest and best-funded programs in the country, this giving society will help us strategically invest philanthropy into support for our student athletes, empowering them to reach their full potential academically and competitively," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "We look forward to this giving society fostering a greater sense of community for all of our supporters, while retaining Denver's status as the best DI-AAA Athletic Department in the nation."
Donors that pledge a minimum of $50,000 to DU Athletics across a maximum of a four-year period, with at least $10,000 of that allocated to the Athletics Excellence Fund, will receive a four-year membership in the Gold Standard.
The Athletics Excellence Fund is an unrestricted fund that supports the holistic development of all 380+ DU student-athletes and the rising cost of excellence in the critical areas of academics, sports medicine, sport performance, nutrition and mental health.
Gold Standard members receive meaningful, personalized and exclusive engagement opportunities such as in-game hospitality areas, Tier 1 priority for all parking access and postseason tickets, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
"The Gold Standard will undoubtedly raise the bar for DU Athletics," Deputy Athletic Director for Development Kacie Dohrmann said. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our philanthropic leaders and founding members of the Gold Standard. We look forward to recognizing their generosity and deepening their relationship with DU Athletics through unique engagement opportunities. As a proud former DU student-athlete, I'm thrilled to be able to elevate the resources and opportunities we offer our Pioneers as we grow the Gold Standard membership."
Philanthropy has a transformative impact on the department's ability to enhance the student-athlete experience and navigate the changing collegiate athletics landscape. With a 95% Graduation Success Rate while boasting the 14th most NCAA Division I national championships in the nation, DU is among the best at empowering student-athletes to become champions in academics, athletics and life. It's a standard being raised even higher.
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