The Old Dominion Athletic Foundation completed a banner year of fund raising in 2015, receiving a record $8.12 million in cash donations in support of the University’s athletic programs, facility enhancements and student-athlete scholarships.
Total donations represented a nine percent increase over the previous year, while the ODAF Annual Fund also set a record, recording a 14 percent increase with $4.72 million in cash gifts and the athletic endowment fund rose to $21million in 2015.
“This has been a remarkable year for the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation and it could not come at a better time as we strive to significantly increase our self-generated financial support for ODU athletics,” said ODU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig.
“I thank our nearly 3,000 donors for their generosity and support of our approximate 500 student-athletes who represent ODU so well across 18 intercollegiate athletic programs. Our ODAF team, led by Jena Virga, continues to excel in raising much needed revenue to provide scholarship support for our student-athletes and the margin of excellence each of our programs needs to realize their academic and athletic potential,” adds Selig.
The ODAF also posted record gains in other areas, including expansion of its top giving level, the Scholarship Society, to 21 members and donations of $1.92 million. The athletic department staff and coaches supported the ODAF for the third consecutive year at the 100 percent level, and in addition to the $8.12 million in cash donations, the ODAF established a new planned giving society, known as the Monarch Legacy Society, which generated $1.55 million.
With the recent passing of legislation by the NCAA allowing universities the ability to offer full cost of attendance for student-athletes, and a new Virginia State Bill limiting the use of student fees, the need for private support is more critical than ever. To meet these challenges, the ODAF has launched the Power of Pride membership campaign to grow the ODAF membership to over 3,000, and set fund raising goals of $8.5 million in total support and $4.9 million in annual support for 2016.
“This banner year for the ODAF could not have been possible without the generosity of our loyal ODAF donors. I am extremely proud of our staff and grateful for the support of President John Broderick, Vice President Alonzo Brandon and Wood Selig. We have a great team at ODU,” said Jena Virga, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Vice President for Athletic Development.
The ODAF is integral to the success of Old Dominion University Athletics, and is the channel through which fans and alumni can partner with coaches and student-athletes for the advancement of the athletics program. The mission of the ODAF is to raise financial support for Old Dominion University Athletics and to ensure that coaches and student-athletes have the resources necessary to compete for championships. For more information on the ODAF, or to make a donation, go to www.oldominionaf.com, or call the Athletic Development office at 757 683-6963.