Houston Rise, Big 12 Drive Meeting Its Mission
5/9/2023 9:00:00 AM | Cougar Pride
Campaign surpasses $50 million raised in support of championship success
HOUSTON – Since the launch of its Big 12 Conference fundraising campaign last June, Houston Rise has generated $50 million in pledges and outright donations while nearly 900 new members have joined the Cougar Pride Athletic Fund, Houston Athletics announced Tuesday.
With the University of Houston joining the Big 12 on July 1, Houston Rise was launched as a call to action inviting all Cougars – alumni, fans, friends, residents of Houston – to come forward and provide Houston Athletics with the tools required to win championships in its new league.
"We're extremely grateful to those who have answered the call and supported the Houston Rise campaign," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "As we inch closer to July 1, we feel the increased excitement and interest from our fans. Investing in Houston Rise gives our student-athletes, coaches, and programs the chance to compete at highest level in the Big 12."
In this modern era, resources correlate with championships. Facilities across the Big 12 are stellar and support services for coaches and student-athletes are second to none. To fulfill the vision, Houston Athletics needs to accelerate its ongoing modernization process and bring facilities and support services to at least a Power 5 standard.
"If you want to compete to win in the Big 12, you better be a Big 12 resourced institution," Houston Men's Basketball Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said.
The two pillars of the Houston Rise campaign are facilities and growth of Cougar Pride Athletic Fund membership.
Facility focus prioritizes the Football Operations Center (FOC) to house Houston Football, vital upgrades to the Guy V. Lewis Development Center to support Men's and Women's Basketball, and the revitalization of the Athletics-Alumni Center (AAC). Upgrades to the AAC will provide every Houston student-athlete a home on-par or better than anything found in the Big 12.
Expanding the support base that is the growing Cougar Pride Athletic Fund membership is the second and equally important Houston R12E priority. Successfully engaging new donors and diversifying the Cougar Pride membership represents a foundation for sustained success.
"Participation, regardless of form, is the lifeblood of the Houston Rise campaign," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development John Gladchuk said. "We have heard people say that they don't feel the little they can do will make a difference. Our response is all participation matters … everything counts. Each new Cougar Pride donation is a key building block in a championship foundation for Houston Athletics."
To those still contemplating, there has never been a more important time. The University of Houston is two months away from official membership in the Big 12 Conference. A new era is here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
With the University of Houston joining the Big 12 on July 1, Houston Rise was launched as a call to action inviting all Cougars – alumni, fans, friends, residents of Houston – to come forward and provide Houston Athletics with the tools required to win championships in its new league.
"We're extremely grateful to those who have answered the call and supported the Houston Rise campaign," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "As we inch closer to July 1, we feel the increased excitement and interest from our fans. Investing in Houston Rise gives our student-athletes, coaches, and programs the chance to compete at highest level in the Big 12."
In this modern era, resources correlate with championships. Facilities across the Big 12 are stellar and support services for coaches and student-athletes are second to none. To fulfill the vision, Houston Athletics needs to accelerate its ongoing modernization process and bring facilities and support services to at least a Power 5 standard.
"If you want to compete to win in the Big 12, you better be a Big 12 resourced institution," Houston Men's Basketball Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said.
The two pillars of the Houston Rise campaign are facilities and growth of Cougar Pride Athletic Fund membership.
Facility focus prioritizes the Football Operations Center (FOC) to house Houston Football, vital upgrades to the Guy V. Lewis Development Center to support Men's and Women's Basketball, and the revitalization of the Athletics-Alumni Center (AAC). Upgrades to the AAC will provide every Houston student-athlete a home on-par or better than anything found in the Big 12.
Expanding the support base that is the growing Cougar Pride Athletic Fund membership is the second and equally important Houston R12E priority. Successfully engaging new donors and diversifying the Cougar Pride membership represents a foundation for sustained success.
"Participation, regardless of form, is the lifeblood of the Houston Rise campaign," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development John Gladchuk said. "We have heard people say that they don't feel the little they can do will make a difference. Our response is all participation matters … everything counts. Each new Cougar Pride donation is a key building block in a championship foundation for Houston Athletics."
To those still contemplating, there has never been a more important time. The University of Houston is two months away from official membership in the Big 12 Conference. A new era is here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.