Buffalo, NY - Canisius University concluded its “More than a Game” campaign November 30 by hitting its fundraising goal ‘out of the park.’
The seven-week annual crowdfunding initiative, launched by the Athletics Department in partnership with the Office of Institutional Advancement, tallied a record 1,091 donors who provided a total of $309,361 in direct support of the Blue & Gold Athletics Fund or individual athletic teams. The amount raised surpassed the ambitious $300,000 goal set at the start of the campaign.
“Through the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, the ‘More than a Game’ campaign continues to grow and expand in tremendous ways,” says William J. Maher ’89, director of athletics. In addition to an increase in the donation goal, Maher notes, the number of donors contributing to the campaign also swelled. “It is inspiring to see the incredible support our athletics program receives from the community. These gifts will have a direct impact on our sports program in the coming year.”
This year’s “More than a Game” campaign coincided with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal statute that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity at any educational institution that receives federal funds.
“Title IX altered the trajectory for females, including myself,” explains Head Women’s Basketball Coach Sarah Nusseibeh. “It created confidence in me and made it possible for me to have female role models.”
To commemorate this important anniversary, supporters of women’s athletics programs were asked to contribute $50 to the campaign. The initiative generated 212 gifts totaling $10,600. Of the college’s 20 varsity athletic teams, men’s ice hockey scored the highest in dollars raised with a sum total of $108,173.
“The commitment that our alumni, family and friends have shown through their support of Golden Griffin student-athletes motivates us every day,” adds Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Trevor Large. “The entire Canisius community
will benefit from this generosity and we could not be more grateful.”
