Vassar Community’s Generosity Scores a Win for the Brewers

When Vassar student-athletes hosted their sixth annual Day of Giving campaign this past fall, the response from the College community was swift and generous. More than 3,100 donors pledged gifts at a rate of $20,000 per hour between 9:00 a.m. October 1 and noon the following day, raising a near-record $540,000.

The annual campaign enables the College’s 29 intercollegiate athletic teams to purchase training equipment, conduct winter and spring training trips, and enhance the sports medicine and strength and conditioning staff in the Department of Athletics and Physical Education.

Teams set their own donor goals, and each squad retains 80 percent of the money raised by its supporters. The remaining 20 percent funds programs and equipment that benefit all student-athletes.

“We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support from our friends, family, alums, and fans,” said Director of Athletics and Physical Education Michelle Walsh.

This year, the men’s lacrosse team raised the most money, $71,942, from 452 donors. “The whole Vassar athletic community had a spectacular Day of Giving,” Coach John McCreery said as the final gifts were tallied. “Our students, parents, friends, and alums were energized this year and love supporting the Brewers. Michelle Walsh organized a talented committee of people who devoted their time to create a spirited fund-raising campaign that directly affects the experience for our student-athletes at Vassar.”

The team will use the funds raised this year for new equipment, trips to play teams out of the region, and team bonding experiences, McCreery said. —Larry Hertz