BABSON PARK, Mass.—Babson College graduate, entrepreneur and investor Dan Fireman MBA'00 provided the institution's men's and women's golf program with a transformative gift that will endow the program and positively impact Babson golf in perpetuity.

Fireman has long been passionate about golf and oversaw the creation of the iconic Liberty National Golf Club, where he is co-founder and executive chairman. Liberty National opened in 2006 and has hosted major PGA Tour events.

"I'm incredibly proud to support my alma mater and further the strong momentum for our nationally recognized men's and women's golf programs," said Fireman. "The game and its positive impact extend far beyond the course to life, family, community and business. Golf has been such a formative part of my own personal journey and I hope to foster that same connection and opportunity for the many talented student-athletes at Babson."

The intent of the gift is to strengthen Babson's golf program while expanding recruiting efforts for both the men and women and providing travel opportunities to help foster team cohesion. Raising the perception of the program through the named endowment, another goal is to assist in establishing more opportunities for women to play collegiate golf.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for Babson golf," said Governor Craig R. Benson Endowed Senior Vice President for Advancement Edward Chiu. "Coach Jeff Page has led our men's team on a tremendous upward trajectory into the national spotlight over the past decade, and our new women's team has set a high standard and made a big impression in their first season. Dan's generous gift is a tribute to everything Jeff and our student-athletes have already achieved, and a powerful investment in the program's future. I look forward to seeing the new heights that both teams can reach with these game-changing resources."

One of the College's oldest varsity programs, men's golf at Babson dates back to 1948. The Beavers have made 12 NCAA Championship appearances, captured 13 conference titles, claimed seven regional championship crowns and earned 11 All-America awards. Women's golf is Babson's newest program and began competition in fall 2023.

"Our men's program is competitive nationally and our women's program is already making an impact regionally in year one," said Pamela P. and Brian M. Barefoot Associate Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Advancement Mike Lynch. "Dan's magnificent gift is thoughtful and incredibly timely. We're grateful to Dan for his vision, passion and generosity in helping our golf student-athletes compete among the nation's best for years to come."

Earning the program's first national ranking in October 2019 and finishing 15th in the final 2020 poll, Babson ascended to a program-best third in the February 2022 coaches' poll before finishing the year by tying for 12th at the NCAA Championship.

The women have placed fifth or higher in all but two events this year, including finishing as the runner-up at the Camp Lejeune Intercollegiate in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on April 7.

A former collegiate golfer at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Fireman is an active philanthropist who is a trustee with the Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation and works closely with One Family, Inc. and First Tee, a charity founded in partnership with the major golf organizations to make golf more accessible for all kids. He also has extensive board service.