MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Blue Raider Athletic Association (BRAA) is announcing the public launch of the Sapphire Circle, the exclusive major giving society of MTSU Athletics created to inspire philanthropy and recognize MTSU's most generous athletics donors.
Through generous gifts of $25,000 or more since the launch of the Build Blue Campaign, this group of donors (which includes the 72 Charter Members listed below) provides the critical financial investments necessary to recruit and retain world class student-athletes and coaches. This philanthropic initiative will position MTSU to be the dominant leader in our conference and enhance our brand nationally.
"The leadership put forward by this new group is both invaluable and instrumental in the acceleration of our Build Blue campaign," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "These Sapphire Circle members, and those who will later join them, are charting our course for success in this important endeavor."
While the Sapphire Circle is philanthropic in nature, members will enjoy exclusive and unique stewardship opportunities through an elevated concierge experience focused on deeper, more meaningful engagement with MTSU Athletics for a five-year term (with the option to renew). These opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
- VIP event invitations
- Game day sideline access
- Unique team experiences
- Access to naming opportunities
"We are excited to introduce the Sapphire Circle to our fans, as I believe it will have a transformational impact on the lives of Blue Raiders today and forever," said
Chris Massaro, Director of Athletics. "Members of this prestigious group will position Blue Raider student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition and in the community, while addressing the critical need of enhancing our facilities."
As the premier group of the BRAA, the Sapphire Circle includes donors who make philanthropic major gift commitments in the following ways:
- $25,000 or more to Capital Projects
- $25,000 or more to Athletic Endowments
- $100,000 or more in Planned/Estate Gifts
- $1,000,000 or more in comprehensive Lifetime Giving (cash) to Athletics, which qualifies for lifetime membership in the Sapphire Circle
"This new philanthropic initiative supports our collective vision for what athletics excellence could look like at MTSU," said Associate Director of Athletics and Chief Development Officer
Hans C. Malebranche. "The Sapphire Circle allows us to continue to pursue and elevate that vision in support of an elite student-athlete experience through philanthropy."
All commitments made prior to February 28
th will be considered Charter Members and receive an invitation to the Sapphire Circle Celebration launch party being held the evening of the 28
th.
The current priority of the Sapphire Circle is to support the
Build Blue Campaign – a $100 million-plus plan to significantly upgrade MTSU's athletic facilities.
To learn more about the Sapphire Circle or other opportunities to impact MTSU student-athletes, please contact Hans C. Malebranche at
hans.malebranche@mtsu.edu or visit
goblueraiders.com/Sapphire.
Sapphire Circle Charter Members:
