PAC MEMB ER S H I P & T I C K E T I N F O R M AT I O N
G EORG IA S TATE UNIVERS ITY DEPARTMENT O F ATHLETICS
2012
BUILD. BELIEVE. BELONG.
G SU ATH L E TI C S M I SSI O N:
A MES S AG E F ROM C H ERY L L . L EVICK
DEAR FRIENDS AND FANS: With great appreciation and excitement, I thank you for your interest in the Panther Athletic Club (PAC) and Georgia State Athletics. I am pleased to report that the PAC again experienced significant gains in membership and support during the past year. As we enter our third year of the PAC, we continue to need your involvement and support in order to further advance the academic and athletic experiences of over 350 GSU student-athletes. This past year, GSU Athletics experienced significant regional and national visibility through print and media outlets. However, the best is yet to come and your donation will allow further growth and opportunity for every GSU student-athlete.
The rising costs of fielding competitive teams with quality student-athletes make your contribution to the PAC increasingly important. Our studentathletes are working extremely hard to be a source of pride for our school and community and, by doing so, are providing PAC members and fans with a meaningful return on their investment. Go Panthers! Cordially,
POINTS OF PANTHER PRIDE
42
Cheryl L. Levick Director of Athletics
student-athletes completed degrees at GSU during the 2010-2011 academic year
WOMEN’S TENNIS 5,000 + hours of community service were completed by GSU student-athletes in the 2010-2011 academic year
posted the second-best winning percentage in school history (15-4, .789) and finished the year ranked No. 55 in ITA national rankings
To shape champions for today and leaders for tomorrow. 2011 CAA CHAMPIONSHIPS were won in Softball and Women’s Track & Field
37-19 Baseball had the best regular season record in school history while setting a school record with 11 straight wins
AB O U T PAC The Panther Athletic Club (PAC) is the official fundraising arm of Georgia State University Athletics. Annual donations made by PAC members cover the rising costs of expenses such as, but not limited to: athletics scholarships, facilities, recruiting, travel, schedule enhancements and non-budgeted operating expenses associated with each of our 19 varsity sports.Your annual unrestricted support helps provide GSU Athletics with the necessary margin of excellence to be successful in the Colonial Athletic Association and at the national level. A student-athlete’s success directly involves you.Your support in the stands drives GSU’s student-athletes to be their best in competition.
Your annual gift builds a foundation for them to stand on.
RON HUNTER
MEN’S SOCCER
was hired in March 2011 to lead the Men’s Basketball program
posted its best record in 2011 since joining the CAA and made it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in its history
CHASE HODGES was recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for his unparalleled leadership in taking five teams to a national ranking, including the 2011 GSU Men’s Tennis team, which finished the year ranked No. 68
GO L $5 D ,00 0
2
4
PL AT $1 INU 0,0 M 00
SIL V $2 ER ,50 0
BR O $1 NZ ,00 E 0
CO A $5 CH 00 ES
IT E VA RS $2 ITY 50
DONOR BENEFITS
UE $1 & W 00 H
ANNUAL PAC
To recognize the generosity, loyalty and support of PAC members and Panther fans in a fair and equitable manner, we have developed a Priority Points System. The more points you have, the better your seating options.
BL
T H E PAC PRIORITY POINTS S YST EM
Enhancing the Lives of GSU Student-Athletes
Here is how Priority Points add up:
Tax Deduction*
ANNUAL POINTS
PAC Priority Points
Current-year giving to PAC (Nov. 1, 2011 – Oct. 31, 2012)
1 point per $100
Gifts to Athletics Capital Projects in current fiscal year^
1 point per $100
E-Newsletter
Sport-specific PAC donation in current fiscal year^ (restricted)
1 point per $300
Cumulative gifts to Athletics*
Away Game & Post-Season Ticket Priority
1 point per $1,000
Consecutive years of PAC Membership**
2 points per year
Consecutive years of Season Ticket Purchase** • Football • Men’s Basketball • Women’s Basketball • Baseball
2 points per year 2 points per year 2 points per year 2 points per year
Opportunity to Attend a PAC Designated Practice** Football Priority Seating Opportunities Pre-Game Chalk Talk for Select Basketball Game(s) Football Program Recognition
BONUS POINTS (one-time award per account) Current GSU Alumni Association Membership
5 points
Charter Season Football Ticketholder (purchased by April 30, 2010)
5 points
Varsity Letter Winner at GSU
10 points
Cumulative University Lifetime Giving at $100,000 or above***
50 points
Priority Points determine the selection order for: • Football season tickets • Men’s Basketball season tickets • Seating upgrades (when available) • Away game availability • Post-season game opportunities and special events • Football gameday parking ^ Current fiscal year is from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012. * Includes all athletics annual, capital and endowment gifts. ** Consecutive refers to continuous years of contributing and/or purchasing season tickets, regardless of number of tickets.The calculation for consecutive year points begins with the most recent year and counts backwards. Missed years will result in a loss of consecutive year status and points earned. Consecutive year status of contributing to the Panther Athletic Club is maintained by making unrestricted annual donations of $100 or more to the PAC. *** Includes all-time athletics and non-athletics cumulative donations of $100,000 or more.
Verizon Wireless Club Access in Georgia Dome Football Priority Parking Pass***
120
number of student-athletes that made Dean’s List with a GPA of at least 3.5
46
student-athletes earned GSU’s highest academic honor by attaining President’s List status, signifying a GPA of 4.0 or higher
Football Signing Day Reception Invitation Complimentary Football Media Guide (upon request) Second Football Priority Parking Pass**** Pre-game Field Access for Select Home Football Games Opportunity to Serve on the PAC Board Annual Year-End Athletics Awards Banquet Invitation
8
VIP Donor Trip to Selected Away Game
* Please consult your tax professional regarding your tax deduction. Amount of deduction may be reduced due to some benefits having fair market value. To receive full tax deduction you can decline all benefits by writing a letter to the Panther Athletic Club, or by checking the box indicated on the membership form. ** The Panther Athletic Club will hold a designated practice for donors in the sports of Football and Men’s/Women’s Basketball. *** Benefit provided to $250 donors who have a minimum of 4 season tickets or $500 donors with any number of season tickets purchased. **** Upon request and with the purchase of 4 or more football season tickets.
The goal of the 2012 annual fund drive is to increase PAC membership to 1,500 members by the end of June 2012. PAC membership starts at $50 for all alumni and friends. All donations made to the PAC are tax-deductible, have a direct impact on the lives of 350+ GSU student-athletes and come with exclusive membership benefits. SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS DONORS
2010 CAA MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS COMPARISON
Delaware $3,100,000 2,067 Old Dominion $2,696,329 2,576 Northeastern $2,441,392 2,047 George Mason $1,558,565 1,248 James Madison $1,465,671 2,288 VCU $1,306,527 1,294 Hofstra $1,218,813 1,433 GSU $1,100,000 608 UNC Wilmington $852,773 754 Towson $798,942 1,366
PAC FUNDRAISING YEAR-TO-YEAR COMPARISON
Ticket amount: This revenue supports the annual operations of GSU Athletics. Why did you choose Georgia State and what do you like most about GSU? I chose GSU because of the great atmosphere in a big city combined with good academics and a great golf program. I love that I can stay on campus and that there is so much to do around Atlanta when you are not in school or practicing.
$1,100,000 608 donors
$698,000 232 donors
FY09
Each season ticket will have two clearly designated components:
FY10
FY11
What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to go back to Europe and become a professional golfer. As soon as I graduate, I will go home and try to qualify for the Ladies European Tour and, hopefully, within a five to ten year period come back to the United States and play professionally on the LPGA Tour. What is it like to compete at the college level and what have you enjoyed so far about your GSU competition? For me, wanting to make golf my way of living, being able to combine practice and school is extremely important. I value education, because there are things in life that you just can’t predict, so having a degree is important to give me the peace of mind to focus 100 percent on golf after graduation.
Priority Seating amount: This amount is an unrestricted contribution to the PAC and counts toward your total annual giving level. The GSU Priority Seating Plan was developed to provide equitable distribution of seating opportunities in priority areas of our athletics facilities, as well as distribution of other PAC donor benefits. This will be the final year of our initial three-year Priority Seating Plan.
To request a move to a different seating location, 2011 renewing football season ticketholders must indicate this preference on their season ticket renewal order form, or when calling in to renew, so they can be included in the 2012 seat selection process. FOOTBALL PRIORITY PARKING Priority Parking is available in the Orange Lot, conveniently located adjacent to Gate D, to PAC members who are at the Coaches donor level ($500) and above.
FOOTBALL TICKET PRICING
TO T SE AL AS PE ON R
The PAC has experienced tremendous growth as a result of generous support from alumni, friends and faculty/staff of GSU. With your continued assistance we can put GSU Athletics in position to compete at the highest levels in both the Colonial Athletic Association and at the national level.
1,108 donors
Any new football season ticketholder and/or those who want to upgrade from their 2011 season ticket seat location will be placed in order based on Priority Point totals. After the May 1, 2012, renewal deadline passes, GSU Sales Associates will contact these individuals in Priority Point-ranked order to give them the opportunity to choose their new 2012 football season ticket seat location.
ON
MEMBERSHIP GOALS
$3,100,000
NEW/UPGRADED SEATS FOR 2012 FOOTBALL SEASON
E
Operating an athletic department is a business enterprise and raising the funds necessary to field competitive teams is a constant challenge. These graphs represent where we stand in comparison to select peer institutions. Both graphs represent important measures, total number of donors and total donations. Our goal is to be in the top third by both measures.
WOMEN’S GOLF
AN D H OW W E S TACK UP
A portion of your Priority Seating football season ticket purchase also includes an unrestricted gift component that is designated to the Panther Athletic Club. The size of your contribution to the PAC depends on the location of the Priority Seats you choose.
IC
athlete: Charlotte L O R E N T Z E N year: Senior major: Journalism
PA C DO NA TI
PAC GROWTH
GEORGIA DOME SEATING
G SU FO OTB A L L P RI O RI TY SE ATI NG & PA RKI NG
SE A TI SO CK N ET PR
PA N T HE R P RO FI L E S
HUDDLE*
$300
$2,200
$2,500
A
$100
$250
$350
B
$100
$125
$225
C
$100
$50
$150
D
$100
$25
$125
Their PAC gift is at the same gift level (or higher) as when the seats were selected in 2011.
E
$99
N/A
$99
F
$75
N/A
$75
Season tickets and PAC contribution are renewed by the May 1, 2012, deadline.
G
$200**
N/A
$200**
H
STUDENT SECTION (FREE WITH ID)
RENEWALS PAC donors who were football season ticketholders in 2011 are guaranteed to receive their same seat location in 2012 as long as:
New for 2012: PAC members who are at the Varsity donor level ($250) and have a minimum of four season tickets are also eligible to receive Orange Lot Priority Parking.
* Huddle tickets must be purchased in pairs; price includes a PAC donation and 2 tickets ** Includes 2 adult tickets and 2 youth tickets Note: Faculty/Staff receive 20% discount off the season ticket price
PR EMI UM S EATING OP P O RT UN IT IES
Now is your opportunity to lock-in the best seats to watch Panther football in the Georgia Dome and enjoy amenities offered exclusively as part of The Huddle seating experience. Not only will you enjoy great seats, you will have priority access to the ultra exclusive Owner’s Club – a sports club unlike any other. Members of The Huddle have reserved luxury customdesigned cushion seating between the 40-yard lines on the home team side of the Georgia Dome. Members also have the first right to renew their seats in The Huddle annually. Owner’s Club Amenities included with the purchase of seats in The Huddle are as follows:
110% CLUB
MEN’S & WOMEN’S B ASKETB ALL COURTSIDE SEATING
Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, GSU student-athletes always give 110%. Now, you have the opportunity to do the same. As a small token of our appreciation, current PAC members who give 110% or more of their gift from last year will receive a special gift.
Courtside seating is your opportunity to enjoy Panther Basketball games from a vantage point like you have never experienced before. Enjoy watching the games from the floor in the same cushioned seats that the student-athletes and coaches sit in. Not only do courtside seatholders have access to the best seats in the GSU Sports Arena, but they also receive complimentary surface lot parking in the H Lot just outside the main entrance.
Example: You contributed $500 to the PAC in 2011. Giving $550 to the PAC for 2012 would make you eligible for a special 110% Club gift. If each member of the PAC gave 110%, it would result in nearly $52,000 in new support for GSU Athletics. Please consider upgrading your contribution to the next donor level or giving 110% of your gift from last year. Membership in the 110% Club is calculated by counting all unrestricted gifts to the PAC during our benefits year.
Courtside seats are $500/seat, which includes a $380 taxdeductible donation component to the Panther Athletic Club. Courtside seatholders receive season tickets to both men’s and women’s basketball.
Complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages
CHARITABLE TICKET PROGRAM
Exclusive access to private, fully enclosed, climatecontrolled Owner’s Club (open an hour-and-a-half prior to kickoff through the end of the game) Deluxe cash bar featuring beer, wine and mixed drinks Upscale concessions and restroom access exclusive to members of The Huddle Over 25 high-definition televisions to watch the GSU game and other games across the country Luxurious furnishings Private outside entrance and porch access Great networking opportunity as well as a venue to entertain clients and friends or reward employees Internal sound system for access to radio or television play-by-play
8
student-athletes were crowned as CAA individual champions
33 4
student-athletes were named CAA Player of the Week
student-athletes attained CAA Rookie of the Year honors
The GSU Athletics Charitable Ticket Program provided many opportunities for under-privileged youth and non-profit organizations to experience GSU Football games at the Georgia Dome in 2011. Thanks to the overwhelming and positive feedback from the supporters and the benefitting organizations, the Charitable Ticket Program will provide donors, alumni and fans with an opportunity to give back to the local Atlanta community through GSU Athletics again in 2012. If you cannot use your tickets or if you would like to purchase season tickets that can be donated to someone who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a GSU Football game, please contact the Panther Sales Center at 866-GA-STATE. Incentives for Participation: 100% tax-deductible contribution Feeling of fulfillment and school pride Opportunity to help others experience an athletic event that they might not otherwise be able to attend Video board name scroll recognition during game(s) Listed on GeorgiaStateSports.com
PA NTH ER PRO F ILE S athlete: Abigail T E R E -APIS AH year: Sophomore major: Exercise Science
WOMEN’S TENNIS
THE HUDDLE
PAC P RO G RA M S
Why did you choose Georgia State and what do you like most about GSU? I really liked the team and the coaches when I made my recruiting visit, and I really like its location. I like that our school is right in the heart of downtown Atlanta and it is so close to all the shopping. And with the trains, it is easy to get around the downtown area. There is so much to enjoy and do. What are your plans after graduation? I would like to find a position as a physiotherapist or an athletic trainer after I complete my studies or internships. I would love to be able to do this in America, or perhaps Australia, which is a little closer to my home. What is it like to compete at the college level and what have you enjoyed so far about your GSU competition? For me, this is a huge opportunity because not many people from my country in the Pacific Islands (Papua New Guinea) get a chance to do what I am doing. This is providing me an excellent education, and I am keeping healthy through the work needed to play tennis. The favorite thing I have enjoyed at GSU is being in a positive team environment. I enjoy being around my teammates and other student-athletes at GSU.
PANTHE R PRO FI L E S
PAC PRO G R A MS
ROGER KINCAID
athlete: Brandon W I L L I A M S year: Senior major: Public Relations
continued
The Panther Athletic Club and the GSU Department of Athletics are pleased to announce the launch of PAC Plus, a new donor referral program for the PAC. PAC Plus is a grassroots effort to increase support for all GSU student-athletes, while further strengthening the base of the PAC. If each PAC member were to refer one new $100 donor this year it would generate over $110,000 in new revenue to directly benefit 350+ GSU student-athletes.
BASEBALL
PAC PLUS: THE PAC REFERRAL PROGRAM
There is no better time than now to call upon your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to encourage them to join the PAC. PAC Referral Program Benefits: For 1 new $100 or above PAC donor: Opportunity to watch a pre-game football warm-up from the sidelines for a selected home game at the Georgia Dome For 2 - 4 new $100 or above PAC donors: Opportunity to partake in an all-access behind the scenes tour of the recently completed GSU Football Practice Complex For 5 or more new $100 or above PAC donors: Opportunity to partake in an all-access tour of the Georgia Dome To ensure you receive proper credit for your referrals, please be sure to have new members indicate that they were referred by you at the time of their gift.
3.03 Cumulative GPA of 350+ GSU student-athletes for the 2010-2011 academic-year
Why did you choose Georgia State and what do you like most about GSU? I chose the opportunity to attend Georgia State because I liked the location of the university being in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The university has a solid reputation and the respect of a degree from GSU is important. What are your plans after graduation? My plan for after I graduate is to try to do work in the communications field. I would like to stay in sports administration because every organization, whether it be in sports or not, needs a good public relations department. I will most likely work to earn my master’s in grad school, in the sports administration program at GSU. What is it like to compete at the college level and what have you enjoyed so far about your GSU competition? Playing baseball at the highest collegiate level has been amazing, and I am very thankful for this chance. Not only does it allow me to play the sport that I love every day, I am able to earn a degree to benefit me for the rest of my life. I have enjoyed all the memories I have made at Georgia State and the friendships and lifelong bonds I have created with my teammates and coaches. Winning a conference championship and earning an NCAA bid is something to cherish forever.
was named CAA Softball Coach of the Year
KALAN JENKINS & MICHAEL HALL were named to the Capital One COSIDA Academic AllDistrict football team
M E T HO D S O F GIV IN G
Joining the PAC is easy and convenient. Just choose the option that works best for you. ONLINE DONATION: Just go to our secure online donation site at www.GeorgiaStateSports.com. CHECK: Please make check payable to “GSU Foundation-Athletics” and mail along with the attached membership form to: Georgia State University Athletics, Panther Athletic Club, P.O. Box 3975, Atlanta, GA 30302-3975. CREDIT CARD: We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You can call 866-GA-STATE or just fill out your credit card information on the attached PAC membership form and mail to the above address. CASH:You are always welcome to bring your donation in person to 125 Decatur Street, Suite 201, Atlanta, GA 30303. MONTHLY GIVING PLANS: You can join the PAC for as little as $8.34 per month by dividing your total gift into smaller, automatic payments from your bank account or paycheck. • Electronic Fund Transfer* • University Payroll Deduction (GSU employees only)* • Stock Transfer* • Deferred/Planned Giving Opportunities* MATCHING GIFTS: Double your support by encouraging your employer to make a matching gift. To see if your employer will match your PAC contribution, contact your company’s human resources department. Note: In the event the employer fails to pay any or all of the match, the donor is responsible for both the personal and the match portions of the pledge amount. GIFTS-IN-KIND: Needed goods or services can reduce expenses of the GSU Department of Athletics, while offering the donor a tax deduction for the fair market value of the gift.* CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP: Corporate sponsors receive advertising opportunities and ticketing benefits when they support the Panthers. From in-game marketing and signage to website recognition, corporate sponsors receive advertising opportunities that far exceed traditional expectations of a university/sponsor agreement. For more information on how your company can gain exposure through GSU Athletics, please call 404/413-4152. * Please contact the PAC Office at 866-GA-STATE to discuss this giving option.
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS Georgia State University Athletics Association is a 501(c)(3) organization.Therefore, all or part of your PAC donation – the amount that exceeds the value of any benefits you receive – may be tax-deductible. Current federal income tax law allows an 80 percent deduction of a contribution to educational institutions where, as a result of the contribution, the donor received preferred seating rights. Contributions that neither directly nor indirectly result in preferred seating rights may be fully deductible. If you wish to decline all benefits and receive a full tax deduction, please check the appropriate box on the pledge form. As always, consult your tax advisor for specific tax advice. GSU Foundation tax ID number: 58-6033185
PA N T H E R P ROF IL ES
FAQ S
athlete: Michael DAV I S year: Junior major: Real Estate
FOOTBALL
Who can join the Panther Athletic Club (PAC)?
Is my contribution to the PAC tax-deductible?
All supporters of GSU Athletics are encouraged to join the PAC. You do not have to be an alumnus of GSU or a former student-athlete to join.
Yes, it may be tax-deductible in full or in part (see previous page).You will receive a gift receipt from the Georgia State University Foundation for tax purposes.
Does my donation include the cost of tickets?
What can I do to improve my Priority Points ranking for seats in the Georgia Dome?
The cost of tickets is not included in your donation to the PAC (excluding Huddle Seats); however, purchasing season tickets does add to your Priority Points, which affects the location of your seating in the Georgia Dome. Why did you choose Georgia State and what do you like most about GSU? I chose Georgia State because I wanted to stay in Atlanta and knew that the creation of the inaugural football team would be something special that I wanted to be a part of. I like the diversity of the student body, which allows me to learn from others with different backgrounds and see things from different perspectives. What are your plans after graduation? I am on track to graduate in May 2012 after three years with a BBA in real estate. Following that, I plan to get an MBA with any remaining years of eligibility. What is it like to compete at the college level and what have you enjoyed so far about your GSU competition? Very few high school athletes actually get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level so I was thrilled to join the football program at GSU. It requires a lot of work and dedication; however, I enjoy the greater challenge that comes with a higher level of competition, which ultimately makes it more fun. My top memory so far is that I achieved my first start for GSU as the team center against Jacksonville State after returning from a knee injury.
What is the difference between a restricted gift and an unrestricted gift? An unrestricted annual gift supports all 19 varsity sports and helps offset non-budgeted expenses throughout the course of the year. A restricted contribution is made to a sport-specific fund, a capital project or an endowment. Priority Seating and Parking opportunities are determined based on annual unrestricted support. While restricted giving is important and much appreciated, these gifts do not count toward the minimums required for Priority Seating and/or Parking.
Increasing your donation by contributing at a higher donor level in 2012 or by participation in the 110% Club will result in a higher number of Priority Points. Other ways include, but are not limited to, joining the Alumni Association and purchasing baseball and/or men’s or women’s basketball season tickets. All contributions must be received by May 1, 2012, to count toward your Priority Points total for 2012 GSU Football season ticket allocation.
IMPORTANT DATES 2011 NOVEMBER 1 2012 JANUARY
New Annual Giving Fund Drive Year begins; 2012 football season ticket renewals begin PAC & Football Season Ticket Renewals mailed out
FEBRUARY 1
Football Signing Day Event
APRIL
PAC Golf Classic
MAY 1
PAC & Football Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
LATE MAY
Seat selection process for football season ticketholders who are either new or are looking to upgrade from their 2011 seat location
JUNE 30
End of the fiscal year
Where do I go for help?
LATE JULY
Football Season Tickets and Priority Parking Passes mailed out
Contact the Panther Athletic Club office at 866-GA-STATE. One of our helpful PAC staff members can answer all your questions about the benefits of joining and contributing to the PAC.
AUGUST
PAC Football Kickoff Luncheon
NOVEMBER 1
New Annual Giving Fund Drive Year begins; 2013 football season ticket renewals begin
DECEMBER
Last opportunity to make a gift to the PAC for year-end tax benefit purposes
GSU’S FOOTBALL PRACTICE COMPLEX
GSU’S SPORTS ARENA
became fully functional with the completion of the indoor locker room, athletic training and team meeting spaces
added student end zone seating with new graphic and aesthetic improvements to the overall building.
350+ student-athletes achieve their academic and athletic goals because of generous financial support from PAC members like you.
D E V E LO PM E N T S TAF F
The PAC staff is committed to providing a high level of customer service and welcomes your call for any questions regarding your support of GSU Athletics. Call the PAC at 404/413-4000.
TODD REESER
KEVIN MILLER
Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Development
Assistant Athletics Director for Development
FORD WILLIAMS
KYLE MCKEON
Associate Director for Development
Coordinator for Development and Ticket Sales
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GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS In Person: 125 Decatur Street, Suite 201, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3975, Atlanta, GA 30302-3975 Phone: 866-GA-STATE • Fax: 404/413-4001 • Web: www.GeorgiaStateSports.com
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