It’s a Win: Go U Bears Athletic Fund Challenge Knocks It Out of the Park
By Bowdoin NewsGifts in support of student-athletes and coaches came from players and fans of all types—alumni, parents, families, faculty, staff, students, and friends.
To kick off the effort, two challenges had been issued: Each varsity team achieving 25 percent of their donor goal would unlock $1,250 for the Polar Bear Athletic Fund (PBAF)—a total of $30,000 was on the line. And if 1,000 fans directly supported the PBAF, each varsity team would receive an additional $500 in their team account.
Every team crushed the first challenge, and while the second was not unlocked, 246 donors gave more than $90,000 to the PBAF, which provides equity across all teams for a win everyone appreciates.
“The support provided by alumni, parents, families, and friends for our current athletes was certainly felt on campus, and the impact of our first Go U Bears Athletic Fund Challenge will continue well into the future,” said Ashmead White Director of Athletics Tim Ryan ’98.
“Our coaches and athletes are grateful for the support shown by every participant in the challenge, and for the great work by our partners in the development and alumni relations office who put this incredible event together. We are already excited for next year.”
The Go U Bears Athletic Fund Challenge culminated on the evening of May 11 with the Student-Athlete Awards Ceremony in Pickard Theater. For the first time, the event was livestreamed, with 375 people tuning in.
“Our first Go U Bears Challenge exceeded all of our expectations, and I’m so grateful for the way our community showed up,” said Executive Director of Annual Giving Christi Lumiere.
“Whether you were there in person or tuned in virtually, the energy at the awards ceremony was incredible and shined a light on the deep connections and community that student-athletes build. We’re very excited to build on this year’s effort and create a new annual tradition. Thanks to all who participated; your competitive spirit, love for Bowdoin Athletics, and generosity was felt throughout campus.”
View the results of the day here.
Special thanks to our Go U Bears Challengers: Kent G. Hobby '57; Gordon F. Linke '80, P'15, Trey Linke '15; Matthew R. Patterson '93; Joan Benoit Samuelson '79, P'12, H'22 and Scott A. Samuelson '80, P'12; Brandon '89 and Lisa Sweeney; and anonymous donors from the men's lacrosse, men's soccer, and women's lacrosse teams