ZIPS ATHLETICS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AKRON
IPS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE. MOVING FORWARD.
2017
GIVING GUIDE
FROM THE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR'S DESK At The University of Akron, the primary objective of the Department of Athletics is to develop success-driven student-athletes. The skills of discipline, determination, leadership, and collaboration are fundamental elements of that development. In order to achieve this objective, our athletics program requires a strong foundation consisting of extraordinary coaches, the academic community, the University, Athletics administrators and, of course, Zips’ donors and fans. Your generous contributions to the Athletics Department are what allow our programs to operate and compete at the highest division of intercollegiate athletics. Thanks to your support, this past year was one of the Zips’ best all-around performances; our 435 studentathletes attained a 3.026 cumulative GPA, won seven Mid-American Conference Team Championships, and collected the 2016-17 Reese Trophy for best men’s athletics program in the MAC for the third time in four years. We are working diligently to uphold this success and build on these achievements moving into the future. I thank you, our supporters, for all that you do to strengthen our programs and ask for your continued backing as we forge on into the exciting times ahead. If you are interested in supporting the Zips at this time, more information is available at GoZips.com/Zfund.com. Go Zips!
Larry Williams Director of Athletics
TABLE OF CONTENTS Akron Achievements 2 About the Z-Fund 3 Why Give? 5 Ways to Give 6 Benefits Chart 8 Understanding the Costs 9 Making a Difference. Moving Forward. 11 Priority Points 13
Premium Seating and Parking 16 Key Dates 22 Varsity “A” Association 23 WINGZ 25 Recent Alumni 26 110% Blue & Gold 27 Zips + 1 28 Z-Fund Staff 29
2017 GIVING GUIDE • 1
AKRON ACHIEVEMENTS: 2015-16 #1 Winners of the Reese Trophy as the Mid-American Conference's top Men's Athletics Program 2 NCAA Individual Championships 3 2016 Summer Olympians 5 Team MAC Champions 5 MAC Coaches of the Year 18 All-Americans 21st Standing in the Capital One Cup for Men's Programs 27 Individual MAC Champions 71st Placement in the Learfield Cup Overall Standings 79 All-MAC Honorees ZIPS ACADEMICS: 2015-16 Akron's cumulative all-sport GPA 3.02 Number of programs with a perfect APR score
5
Zips student-athletes earning a 4.0 GPA
7
Consecutive semesters of Akron studentathletes earning a GPA above 3.0
8
Percentage of Zips student-athletes earning a 3.0 GPA or above
43
Distinguished Scholar-Athletes
60
Academic All-Conference honorees 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 2
135
ABOUT THE Z-FUND MISSION STATEMENT The Z-Fund’s mission is to directly support the overall goals of The University of Akron Department of Athletics by providing funds to enhance the collegiate experience for nearly 450 student-athletes. Financial contributions are critical to the success and support of student-athletes in their quest for excellence in the classroom and their respective sport.
I can’t imagine anything better than getting to compete in the sport I love with the best teammates and coach and against some of the best players around! I have lifelong friends in my teammates, and it is very motivating to be around people who want to succeed on the golf course, in the classroom, and within the community of Akron. Because of golf, I will graduate from The University of Akron debtfree and be ready to get a job right away.
Danielle Nicholson Junior Women's Golf 2016 Individual MAC Champion 2016 MAC Freshman of the Year VISION The Z-Fund is the lifeblood of Akron Athletics. Your gift directly impacts nearly 450 studentathletes, our coaches, and their programs, both on the field and in the classroom. As Akron Athletics continues to grow in size and national prominence, the need to enhance budgets and fund scholarships is greater than ever. The Z-Fund exists to allow this growth and provides the resources to compete for championships. By becoming a contributor to the Z-Fund, you play a vital role in the success of Akron Athletics and its student-athletes. Each year, our goal is to provide our student-athletes the best collegiate experience on and off the field of play, and prepare them for their future. We need your help in doing so.
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A QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE Z-FUND A QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE Z-FUND Through the generosity of loyal donors, our goals are to:
Fully endow the maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA Fully support the operational expenses of the Academic Affairs program Provide summer school opportunities for Zips student-athletes Support
the operational needs of the athletics program, including recruiting,
team travel, equipment, and athletics training costs
Raise funds for new athletics facilities and the renovation of exisiting facilities Create a self-sustaining department of athletics to reduce reliance on University funds
The Z-Fund is the organization through which alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and businesses can provide vital financial support to the student-athletes which comprise the 18 Intercollegiate Athletic Programs at the University of Akron. Money generated from the Z-Fund helps with the following:
Student-Athlete Scholarships - The total bill for our 225.0 student-athlete scholarships for the upcoming year is approximately $7,325,000
Team Traveling Expenses - Teams are traveling more often and further distances to compete against the best Division I programs in the country
Athletics Resources & Equipment - Our athletics programs are constantly in need of new team uniforms, warm-ups, sport specific equipment, medical treatment, etc.
Contributing to the Z-Fund means you are not only supporting Akron Athletics, but you are now a part of the team.
DID YOU KNOW? Akron Rifle’s Head Coach, Marling “Newt” Engle, is the longest tenured coach in UA history. The 2016-17 season marks his 39th year as head coach of the program.
SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON. SUPPORT THE ZIPS. JOIN THE Z-FUND TODAY ! 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 4
WHY GIVE? WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP? Athletic competition and success is important to The University of Akron. Financial stability in athletics ultimately breeds success, and success breeds pride among our many alumni and friends. Season ticket sales, sponsorships, advertising, and student fees are not enough to adequately support the total intercollegiate athletics program. Rising scholarship costs, escalating team travel expenses, and the need for modern facilities require that new sources of revenue be discovered. To continue to provide Zips student-athletes with the resources they need takes help from every member of the community who is able to give. With your help we will continue to work to reach our goals which, in turn, allows us to invest in our programs for them to remain
AVERAGE COST FOR ONE FOOTBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE HELMET: $425 X 3 = $1,275 PADS: $400 FOOTBALL: $70 GLOVES: $35 JERSEY AND PANTS: $500 CLEATS: $65 TUITION: $17,149* ROOM & BOARD: $12,395 BOOKS: $800 FEES: $2,197 MISC. EXPENSES (GAP): $2,599* *Non-Ohio Resident
TOTAL: $35,140 Data for 2016-17 Fiscal Year
2017 GIVING GUIDE • 5
WAYS TO GIVE ANNUAL FUND Z-Fund membership for each Annual Giving Level is for 12 months and must be renewed yearly to remain active and obtain benefits.
Athletic Director’s Circle $25,000+ John W. Heisman $24,999-$15,000 Coaches Circle $14,999-$10,000 All-American Zip $9,999-$5,000 Platinum Zip $4,999-$2,500 Gold Zip $2,499-$1,000 Silver Zip $999-$500 Bronze Zip $499-$100 Zippy $99-$25 Z-Fund membership is based on aggregate annual giving in the calendar year, which now runs from January 1 to December 31. Annual support is comprised of participation in any combination of the following investment opportunities: Philanthropic Giving - Gifts that directly support scholarships or sport specific (enhancement) funds Football Priority Seating - Gifts that you contribute to purchase football season tickets each year Basketball Priority Seating - Gifts that you contribute to purchase basketball season tickets each year Soccer Priority Seating - Gifts that you contribute to purchase soccer season tickets each year +
+
+
=
Total Aggregate Annual Giving to the Z-Fund
EXAMPLES OF WAYS TO DONATE $2,500 TO REACH THE PLATINUM ZIP GIVING LEVEL:
$2,500 in philanthropic $1,000 in philanthropic giving $600 in philanthropic giving and giving to the Z-Fund and a $1,500 contribution toward $1,900 in contributions toward purchasing two floor seat season purchasing season tickets for tickets for basketball football, basketball, and soccer 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 6
RESTRICTED/SPORT SPECIFIC Those who are interested in supporting a specific team can make a restricted gift to one of the programs listed below. Restricted gifts are utilized for that specific sport’s Athletic Enhancement Fund and provide additional resources to the program of your choice to be used at the coach's discretion.
MEN’S SPORTS Basketball: Zips Assist Football: Gridiron Club Golf: Chip-In Rifle (Co-ed): X-Ring Soccer: Goal Club Track & Field/Cross Country: Gold Medal Club
WOMEN’S SPORTS Basketball: Fast Break Club Golf: Hole-in-One Club Rifle (Co-ed): X-Ring Soccer: Hat Trick Softball: Diamond Club Swimming & Diving: Splash Club Tennis: Acers Track & Field/Cross Country: Gold Medal Club Volleyball: Spike Club
OTHER PROGRAMS Athletics Director Discretionary Athletics Equipment Athletics Training Cheer Dance Sports Communications Student-Athlete Development & Academics WINGZ
PREMIUM SEATING Z-Fund contribution and season ticket deadlines are June 15, 2017 for Fall sports and September 15, 2017 for Winter sports. Deadlines must be met in order to affect the seating process and to receive your parking assignment and season ticket book on time. MATCHING GIFTS If your organization matches contributions, please forward all matching paperwork to the Z-Fund to receive full recognition and benefit credit for the entire gift, including the matched portion. MAJOR GIFTS
Outright Gifts
Deferred Gifts
Capital Projects
Scholarship Endowments
Contributions may be made by cash, check, or credit card and may be paid in a lump sum payment or on a monthly or quarterly basis, with the balance due by December 31. The Z-Fund operates under The University of Akron Foundation’s non-profit 501(c)(3) status, and donations are 80% tax-deductible unless the donor chooses to refuse all benefits for 100% deductibility, per IRS regulations (see your tax advisor).
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BENEFIT CHART
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UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS Do all college student-athletes recieve the same amount of money? No, financial aid officers at each school determine the cost of attendance. Additionally, based on each school’s policies, a student’s cost of attendance can be adjusted based on his or her individual circumstances such as transportation, childcare needs, and unusual medical expenses. Are there guidelines on how cost of attendance should be spent? The additional funds are intended to cover the real costs of attending college not covered by the previous definition of a full scholarship, which included tuition, room and board, required fees, books, and miscellaneous expenses. When can a school distribute the cost-of-attendance funds--at the beginning, end, or throughout the term? Distribution of financial aid will continue to be done according to school policies and procedures. The University of Akron distributes cost-of-attendance funds monthly during the academic year. What is The University of Akron’s athletics scholarship charge? Athletics scholarship charges include the cost of tuition, room and board, required fees, books, and miscellaneous expenses. The full charge varies based on if the student-athlete is from Ohio or out-of-state. For the 2016-17 academic year, the scholarship charge for an in-state student-athlete was $26,609 for the year and for an out-of-state student-athlete was $35,140.
MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE JANUARY 1 Membership year begins
JUNE 15 Fall sports contribution and season ticket deadline
SEPTEMBER 15 Winter sports contribution and season ticket deadline
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DECEMBER 31 Membership year ends
SCHOLARSHIP CHART
MEN Basketball Football Golf Soccer Track & Field/Cross Country Subtotal
13 85 4.5 9.9 12.6 125
WOMEN Basketball Golf Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field/Cross Country Volleyball Subtotal
15 6 14 12 14 8 18 12 99
COED Rifle
3.6
TOTAL COST FOR 2015-16
227.6 $7,059,451
Earning a degree at The University of Akron and competing for the Zips is an opportunity that I have worked for my entire life. I am so grateful for the generosity of supporters that makes it possible for me to pursue my dreams on the court and in life.
Hannah Plybon 2017 Graduate Women's Basketball 3-time All-MAC team honoree 2016 MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete 2016 First Team Academic AllMAC selection 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 10
MAKING A DIFFERENCE. MOVING FORWARD. SCHOLARSHIPS MATTER. LEADERSHIP MATTERS. BE THE EXAMPLE. There is no greater need at an institution of higher learning than the need for scholarships. They make a real, meaningful difference in the accomplishments of our student-athletes, the success of our communities and the fiscal health of our University. You have told us that you want ways to help students directly, and we have structured a process to allow you to do just that. Your gift will make an immediate impact!
STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP BREAKDOWN 2016-17 Tuition & Fees Ohio Resident Cost of Attendance: $26,609
Non-Resident Cost of Attendance: $35,140
Room & Board Misc Expenses (GAP) Books
Zips Student-Athletes Supported
347
2016-17 Cumulative All-Sport GPA
3.026
I have been given nonstop opportunities both in and out of the pool thanks to my scholarship at The University of Akron. This is truly a special place for me, and I am grateful for everyone who makes it possible for me to earn my degree and compete in the sport that I love.”
Ragen Engel Junior Swimming and Diving Two-time NCAA Qualifier Four-time MAC Champion 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Participant
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP COSTS TOTAL: $7,059,451 CURRENT
DONOR FUNDING: $1,089,410
CURRENT DEFICIT: $5,970,041
*Data for 2015-16 year
Without the help of our donors, I would have never been able to move from the other side of the world to Akron to not only pursue my athletic dreams but also the academic ones.
George Baylis Senior Men's Golf 2016 Individual MAC Champion 2016 NCAA Championships Qualifier For more information on MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD, visit GoZips.com/zfund/campaigns or contact Associate Athletics Director for Development, Anthony Henderson, at 330.972.7117 or ahender@uakron.edu.
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PRIORITY POINTS The Priority Points Program is designed to reward longevity and generosity to The University of Akron, its Department of Athletics, and the Z-Fund. It determines Z-Fund benefits such as parking, new season ticket requests, requests for seat upgrades, seating at away games, postseason tournaments, and bowl games. The Priority Points Program was developed for four reasons:
1. Improve overall equity in the allocation of benefits 2. Recognize those who have purchased season tickets, given consistently, increased their annual gifts, and/or made capital project or endowment gifts 3. Help new donors obtain seats commensurate with their annual gifts and overall contributions
4. Aid in the eventual reseating of venues
DID YOU KNOW? With a 2-1 victory in the 2016 MAC Men’s Soccer Championship game, Akron earned their 13th MAC Championship title and 31st NCAA Tournament berth. 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 13
Z-FUND PRIORITY POINTS SYSTEM
Current Year Unrestricted Gift(s) to Athletics
50 points per $100
Current Year Capital Gift(s) to Athletics
50 points per $100
Current Year Restricted/Sport Specific Gift(s) to Athletics
30 points per $100
Current Year Endowment Gift(s) to Athletics
30 points per $100
Consecutive Years of Giving to Athletics
20 points for every consecutive year
Lifetime Giving to Athletics
5 points per $100
Lifetime Giving to The University of Akron 1 point per $500 (excludes Athletics) Season Ticket History (Beginning the 2006-07 season)
20 points per year per sport (regardless of quantity) for football, men’s & women’s basketball, men’s & women’s soccer, and volleyball
Estate Gift to Athletics (Must be documented with The University)
500 points
The University of Akron Affiliation
100 points – Letterwinner (must be an active Varsity “A” member) 50 points – UA Alumnus 25 points – Current UA Faculty/Staff
A minimum annual gift of $100, payable to any area of the Z-Fund, or a minimum lifetime giving of $1,000,000 to the University is required to activate your priority points. You can actively increase your points throughout the giving year. 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 14
PRIORITY POINTS EXAMPLE How many Priority Points does Zippy have? • Zippy’s current annual gift is $23,5000 to the Z-Fund (unrestricted) and $6,500 to the Rifle program’s X-Ring (restricted) • Zippy has been a loyal Z-Fund member for thirty consecutive years • Zippy has purchased football season tickets, and men’s and women’s basketball season tickets consecutively for eight years • Zippy’s lifetime giving totals $526,000 to the Department of Athletics and $24,000 to The University of Akron • Zippy made an estate gift designating the Z-Fund as her beneficiary • Zippy is a former student-athlete
Criteria Current Year Unrestricted Gift ($23, 500)
Points Awarded 50 points per $100
Points Earned 11,750
Current Year Restricted/Sport Specific ($6,500)
30 points per $100
1,950
20 points
160
Current Consecutive Years Giving to Athletics (8)
per consecutive year
Lifetime Giving to Athletics ($526,000)
5 points per $100
26,300
Lifetime Giving to the University ($24,000)
1 point per $500
48
20 points per year,
480
Season Ticket History (8 years, 3 sports)
per sport
Estate Gift to The University (Yes)
500 points
500
The University of Akron Affiliation (Letterwinner)
100 points
100
TOTAL
41,288
WHERE DO YOU RANK? This table represents the ranking of Z-Fund members by Priority Points. This is offered to help you gain a better understanding of where you rank within the Priority Point Program. #1 #25 #50 Donor Rank Priority Points 476,985 19,814 9,212
#75 6,749
#100 4,347
#250 1,358
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#500 #1,000 #1,500 588 197 78
PREMIUM SEATING & PARKING: FOOTBALL PREMIUM SEATING A per seat donation is attached to each premium seating season ticket in the priority reserved section, Huntington Club Level, and suite level. The total cost of these seats includes the actual ticket price and the donation portion. Monies donated through premium season ticket purchases are directly applied to the Z-Fund, and this donation is calculated in determining your annual membership level.
Huntington Club Level Seats • Food buffet available for purchase • Cash bars • Premium concession stands • Private restrooms • Popcorn & peanuts • Weather protection • One (1) priority parking pass based on Z-Fund Benefits Chart
Loge Boxes • Four (4) seats per box • Complimentary game program • Personal wait-staff service • All benefits of the Huntington Club Level • Discounted rental of Huntington Club Level for private events or ability to purchase
Private Suites • 16 seats & four (4) standing room passes • Bon-smoking/climate controlled environment • Game programs • Personal wait-staff service • Opens 1.5 hours prior to each game • Four (4) priority parking passes • Opportunity to use suite for outside events • Ability to purchase Huntington Club Level single game seats • 3-5 year commitment with no price increase
Party Suites • $2,500 per game • 25 game tickets • Open air/covered overhang • Bbility to order food & alcoholic beverages • Opens 1.5 hours prior to each game • Four (4) parking passes
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PREMIUM PARKING Z-Fund parking lots (BROWN lots) are assigned based on giving levels and availability (see page 11 for Benefits Charts). In lots where demand exceeds supply, the Z-Fund Priority Point system will determine assignments*. Only football season ticket holders can obtain a Football Priority Parking Pass. *The Z-Fund Contribution & Season Ticket Deadline for Fall Sports is JUNE 15. This deadline must be met in order to affect the seating process and to receive your parking assignment and season ticket book on time.
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PREMIUM SEATING & PARKING: BASKETBALL PREMIUM SEATING Premium seats are available for season ticket purchase at James A. Rhodes Arena for men’s and women’s basketball. A per seat donation is attached to each season ticket in the lower bowl. The total cost of these seats includes the actual ticket price and a donation portion. Monies donated as part of premium season ticket purchases are directly applied to the Z-Fund to offset the cost of student-athlete summer scholarships. Likewise, this donation is calculated in determining your annual Z-Fund membership level.
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TOMMY EVANS LOUNGE Premium Zip members or above gain access to Tommy Evans Lounge 90 minutes prior to tip-off and during halftime of most men’s basketball games. The Z-Fund offers a spirited pre-game atmosphere where you can mingle with other Zips fans and connect with members of the Akron community. Tommy Evans Lounge pass holders who contribute $2,500 - $14,999 annually may enjoy a buffet meal available for purchase; donors who contribute more than $15,000 per year receive a complimentary buffet as described in the Z-Fund Benefits Chart.
6 Akron Gameday Parking PREMIUM PARKING
Z-Fund parking lots (BROWN lots) are assigned based on giving levels and availability (see page 11 for Benefits Chart). In lots where demand exceeds supply, the Z-Fund Priority Point system will determine assignments*. Only basketball season ticket holders can obtain a Basketball Priority Parking Pass. *The Z-Fund Contribution & Season Ticket Deadline for Winter Sports is SEPTEMBER 15. This deadline must be met in order to affect the seating process and to receive your parking assignment and season ticket book on time.
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PREMIUM SEATING: SOCCER Premium seats are available for season ticket purchase at First Energy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field for men’s and women’s soccer. For soccer, a per seat donation is attached to all reserved seating. The total cost of these seats includes the actual ticket price and a donation portion. Monies donated through premium season ticket purchases are directly applied to the Z-Fund to offset the cost of student-athlete summer scholarships. Likewise, this donation is calculated in determining your annual Z-Fund membership level.
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PREMIUM SEATING & PARKING FAQ'S How much should I contribute? As a Z-Fund member, you can contribute as much or as little as you desire. Your benefits of membership do vary depending on you level and amount of contribution What methods of contributing are available? Direct gifts are the most common way of contributing. They are made in the form of cash, stock, checks or credit card. As a donor, you have the option of contributing once annually or periodically throughout the year. The University of Akron faculty/staff may also pay membership through payroll deduction. This works in a similar way as the debit program, except you have a payment taken out of every paycheck. The University of Akron and The University of Akron Foundation qualify for most charitable matching gift programs. Please contact your employer to see if you are eligible for a matching gift program. Is my donation tax deductible? Your contribution is 100 percent tax deductible unless you receive benefits for your contribution (i.e. Seating, Parking, etc.). Current federal income tax laws allow a charitable deduction of 80 percent of your contribution to an educational institution where, as a result, the contributor receives seating rights for home athletic events. Please consult your tax advisor for additional information. How can I improve my seats before seat reallocation? A season ticket holder may request improved seating if his or her current annual gift has increased resulting in a higher Priority Points ranking, provided that better seats have become available. What happens if I do not renew my Z-Fund contribution and season ticket order form by the deadline? In order to qualify for priority seating, you must make your current Z-Fund gift. All seats that are not renewed and Z-Fund contributions not made by the deadline become available to move upgrades and new donors based on their priority ranking each year. What is the minimum donation to the Z-Fund to purchase tickets in the priority seating sections? The donation levels vary by sport and location of each seat within the stadium or arena. Please see pages 16-20 for more information. Do I have to contribute to the Z-Fund in order to purchase season tickets? No. Season tickets are available in other areas of our venues. Z-Fund members have the right to purchase the best available seats in each venue. Can I transfer my membership to another person? The Z-Fund considers a married couple to be joint members. If one spouse passes away or is otherwise unable to maintain the membership, the other spouse is eligible to maintain the membership and the associated benefits. The Z-Fund does not allow memberships to be transferred to other individuals including, but not limited to non-related persons, siblings, or children. The rationale behind this policy is the Z-Fund’s obligation of fairness to its members. Often times, memberships have football, soccer, or basketball seats associated to them. By allowing memberships, and therefore seats, to be passed down generations, members who donate have essentially been “locked out” of the seats in favor of a person who most likely has not donated to the fund.
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KEY DATES JANUARY Beginning of annual donation cycle (January 1) Football season ticket and reserved parking renewal available online to Z-Fund donors FEBRUARY Ranking of Basketball Season Ticket Holders for postseason MARCH Basketball season ticket and reserved parking renewal available online to Z-Fund donors APRIL Soccer season ticket and reserved parking renewal available online to Z-Fund donors JUNE Priority deadline to renew Football & Soccer season tickets (June 15) Ranking for Football & Soccer seating/parking (June 30) AUGUST Football and Soccer season tickets/parking mailed out SEPTEMBER Priority deadline to renew Basketball season tickets (Sept. 15) Ranking for Basketball seating/ parking OCTOBER Basketball season tickets/parking mailed out NOVEMBER Ranking of Football Season Ticket Holders for Bowl Game Ranking Soccer Season Ticket Holders for NCAA Soccer Tournament DECEMBER Deadline to receive end-of-the-year tax credit (Dec 31) 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 22
VARSITY "A" ASSOCIATION WHAT IS THE VARSITY “A” ASSOCIATION? The University of Akron Varsity “A” Association is an organization for former Zips studentathletes. It provides the opportunity for past letterwinners to maintain relationships across different sports, generations, and geographical locations and allows them to remain actively involved in Zips Athletics VARSITY “A” ASSOCIATION MISSION The mission of the Varsity “A” Association is to nurture the legacy, tradition, and values that come from participation in intercollegiate athletics. Through a strong, active membership of the “A” award winners and by the financial and other support for The University of Akron, we champion an environment of academic and athletic excellence for all who wear the blue and gold.
HOW DOES VARSITY “A” SUPPORT ZIPS ATHLETICS? • Provides fifth-year scholarships to student-athletes • Provides letterwinner gifts to all student-athletes • Hosts reunions and special events • Creates a society of former student-athletes for networking, mentoring, and reconnecting with one another • Provides for team travel, recruiting funds, additional equipment, and other upgrades not supported by the Athletics Department’s budget
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WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS? • Discounted season tickets for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and volleyball • Pregame access to the Huntington Club Level for the Varsity “A” Tailgate Buffet • Invitations to alumni reunions and special events MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Annual ($35)
Recent Graduate (Free) All letterwinners who completed their degree in the Fall, Spring, or Summer of the previous academic year.
Includes all member benefits.
Varsity Annual ($400)
Lifetime ($2,500)
Includes all member benefits. Varsity dues include a generous gift that supports the Varsity “A” operations and free admittance for two (2) to all Varsity “A” events.
Lifetime membership is payable over three (3) years and includes all member benefits. Lifetime memberships support the Varsity “A” Fifth-Year Scholarship Awards.
Alumni Locker Legacy ($1,500) A plaque will be mounted in your sports locker for current and future Zips student-athletes to see your support, and you will receive a duplicate plaque to display at home.
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WINGZ Women Inspiring the Next Generation of Zips WINGZ is poised to bring a new era of excellence to women’s athletics at The University of Akron, but we cannot do it without YOU!
The mission of WINGZ is to raise awareness and financial support for all of the Zips women’s programs in order to shape our young women into champions.
The purpose of WINGZ is to provide an opportunity to broaden the base of financial support for our female student-athletes. This women’s giving circle engages like-minded individuals to pool together their time, talents, and resources to empower each other to effect change on the future of women’s athletics in Akron.
DID YOU KNOW? Zippy is one of eight female mascots in the United States! 2017 GIVING GUIDE • 25
RECENT ALUMNI The Recent Alumni Program allows recent graduates an elite opportunity to make a direct and significant impact on The University of Akron and the Athletics program. This program was established to keep all recent graduates engaged with the University. The Z-Fund understands that it may be difficult to give back at this point in your life, but it is important to know that even small contributions make an impact in the lives of our studentathletes. Alumni receiving an undergraduate or graduate degree from The University of Akron within the past four years (2013 or after) can become a member of the Z-Fund at any annual giving level for 50% of the regular donation requirements, while receiving the full benefits of their chosen level. Examples: A gift of $12.50 will give you access to Z-Fund membership and benefits at the $25 level. A gift of $2,500 will give you access to Z-Fund membership and benefits at the $5,000 level
My experience at The University of Akron is one that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am fortunate for the support from the Akron Athletics programs and am proud to represent the Zips for all of those who have made my dreams a reality. GO ZIPS!
Clayton Murphy Former Track & Field Student- Athlete 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Two-time NCAA Champion 2015 Pan American Games Gold Medalist 13-time MAC Champion
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110% BLUE & GOLD Whether it is in the classroom or on the playing field, Akron student-athletes always give 110%. Now you have the opportunity to join in and help us build on our winning tradition and academic excellence! Z-Fund members who contribute 110% of their gift from last year (your gift in 2016 plus 10%) and new members who donate a minimum of $110 will receive a special gift from the Z-Fund. Pledges must be received by June 1 in order to qualify. Donors must still adhere to all priority point deadlines if they will be receiving tickets, hospitality, parking, etc. Example: You contributed $500 in 2016. Giving 110% for your 2017 donation would equal a minimum donation of $550. You are now eligible to receive your special gift!
The chance to play football under a scholarship for the Zips is one that I will never take for granted. I am thankful and blessed to have so many people around me who want to help me succeed and prepare me for life after my time at the University.
Ulysees Gilbert III Junior Football 2016 First Team All-MAC
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ZIPS + 1 ZIPS + 1 = ZIPS NATION
We ask our student-athletes, coaches, and administration to always put forth a “Championship Effort”, and we are asking our Z-Fund members to do the same. Our goal is to increase the number of passionate fans that are a part of the Z-Fund. One way to accomplish this goal is through the Zips + 1 program. The Zips + 1 program is an opportunity for Z-Fund members to help Akron Athletics and also benefit personally. There is strength in numbers, and we need you to get at least one more Zips! Help us by signing up friends, family, coworkers, fellow alumni, and Zips fans to join the Z-Fund. BENEFITS OF ZIPS + 1 Zips + 1 participants who sign up a new Z-Fund member* will earn one hundred (100) priority points for their first member recruited in a given calendar year. For each additional member recruited in one calendar year, Zips + 1 participants will receive an additional twenty-five (25) priority points. *New Z-Fund members are individuals who did not contribute to Zips Athletics in the previous calendar year In order to verify the referral, the name of the person who referred the new member must be on the pledge card. The new donor’s pledge must be paid in full before the active donor receives the incentive priority points.
IF the 2,045 current Z-Fund members each sign up one new member,
THEN Z-Fund membership would double to 4,090.
IF each of the new 2,045 Z-Fund members gave $100, THEN the Z-Fund will increase its annual fund dollars by
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$204,500.
Z-FUND STAFF
George Van Horne IV Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development & Marketing 330.972.8255 gvanhorne@uakron.edu Tim Faix Assistant Director of Athletics Development 330.972.8502 tfaix@uakron.edu
Anthony D. Henderson Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Development 330.972.7117 ahender@uakron.edu Jami Shimada Athletics Development Coordinator 330.972.7142 jms588@zips.uakron.edu
ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT The University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Suite 200 Akron, OH 44325-2603