UNC Asheville Athletics Receives $1 Million Challenge Gift
05.25.2023 | General, Men's Basketball, Athletics News
Janice & Joe Brumit and Anonymous Family Making Impact Gifts
Janice & Joe Brumit and Anonymous Family Making Impact Gifts
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville athletics announced Thursday they have received a $1 million transformational gift in the form of a 1:1 matching challenge from two donors — Janice & Joe Brumit and an anonymous family. Both the Brumit's and the anonymous family are donating $500,000 each with half of their gifts designated to strengthen the Bulldogs men's basketball program and the other half supporting initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience for all 16 of UNC Asheville's athletic programs at the discretion of Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone.
This gift will make significant progress towards supporting the Athletics Department's new strategic plan, Dream Bigger. Achieve More. Some of the priorities outlined in that plan are competitive excellence, the holistic student-athlete experience, improved facilities, and community engagement.
"This is a landmark moment for Bulldog Athletics and, specifically, our men's basketball program," said Cone. "I am moved by the incredible generosity and passion that the Brumit's and our anonymous family exemplify. Their gifts will allow us to begin implementing our new strategic plan, providing our more than 275 student-athletes with a meaningful holistic experience as scholars, athletes, and campus citizens. We are truly grateful and committed to achieving the $1M Challenge moving forward."
The $1 million matching gift challenge provides an incentive for Bulldog donors, former student-athletes, university alumni, and friends to help continue the momentum of last season's record breaking basketball campaign and address the evolving needs of today's student-athlete in regards to facility enhancements, academics, mental health and welfare, nutrition, and other key areas. Gifts from new individual donors and from current supporters who increase their gifts from the previous year will count toward the Challenge Gift.
"It is our privilege to support UNC Asheville athletics with this challenge gift," said Janice and Joe Brumit. "Our goal is not only to strengthen the athletic programs but also to allow these incredible student-athletes to have their most rewarding experience on the court and in the classroom."
UNC Asheville Athletics is committed to raising the $1 million matching amount, which will generate a total investment of $2 million of new support for Bulldog student-athletes. The impact of these additional investments will allow UNC Asheville Athletics to recruit and retain the best and brightest student-athletes and coaches and provide them with the resources to thrive academically and athletically.
"These generous gifts from Janice & Joe and our anonymous family will not just help address the immediate needs of our athletic department," stated UNC Asheville Interim Chancellor Dr. Kimberly van Noort. "They will create a considerable ripple effect by inspiring others to consider how they can play a significant role in the future of Bulldog Athletics."
The 2022-23 men's basketball season was historic on many levels, featuring an undefeated home record and 27 wins overall, a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Campbell in the Big South Tournament Championship game, and the first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2016.
"Our program cannot thank the anonymous family and Brumit's enough for the support of our program," said head men's basketball coach Mike Morrell.
"Their generous gifts do so much more than just help build on the momentum we have created here within the men's basketball program. Most importantly, this will allow us to continue enhancing the experience of our student-athletes while here at UNC Asheville," Morrell added. "After winning the Big South Regular Season Championship and Tournament Championship this past season, we aim to sustain a championship-level program within the Big South and this generosity helps us achieve that goal. It is definitely a GREAT day to be a Bulldog!"
Feeling inspired to help support this challenge gift? Please contact Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone at jcone@unca.edu or (828) 251-6922.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville athletics announced Thursday they have received a $1 million transformational gift in the form of a 1:1 matching challenge from two donors — Janice & Joe Brumit and an anonymous family. Both the Brumit's and the anonymous family are donating $500,000 each with half of their gifts designated to strengthen the Bulldogs men's basketball program and the other half supporting initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience for all 16 of UNC Asheville's athletic programs at the discretion of Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone.
This gift will make significant progress towards supporting the Athletics Department's new strategic plan, Dream Bigger. Achieve More. Some of the priorities outlined in that plan are competitive excellence, the holistic student-athlete experience, improved facilities, and community engagement.
"This is a landmark moment for Bulldog Athletics and, specifically, our men's basketball program," said Cone. "I am moved by the incredible generosity and passion that the Brumit's and our anonymous family exemplify. Their gifts will allow us to begin implementing our new strategic plan, providing our more than 275 student-athletes with a meaningful holistic experience as scholars, athletes, and campus citizens. We are truly grateful and committed to achieving the $1M Challenge moving forward."
The $1 million matching gift challenge provides an incentive for Bulldog donors, former student-athletes, university alumni, and friends to help continue the momentum of last season's record breaking basketball campaign and address the evolving needs of today's student-athlete in regards to facility enhancements, academics, mental health and welfare, nutrition, and other key areas. Gifts from new individual donors and from current supporters who increase their gifts from the previous year will count toward the Challenge Gift.
"It is our privilege to support UNC Asheville athletics with this challenge gift," said Janice and Joe Brumit. "Our goal is not only to strengthen the athletic programs but also to allow these incredible student-athletes to have their most rewarding experience on the court and in the classroom."
UNC Asheville Athletics is committed to raising the $1 million matching amount, which will generate a total investment of $2 million of new support for Bulldog student-athletes. The impact of these additional investments will allow UNC Asheville Athletics to recruit and retain the best and brightest student-athletes and coaches and provide them with the resources to thrive academically and athletically.
"These generous gifts from Janice & Joe and our anonymous family will not just help address the immediate needs of our athletic department," stated UNC Asheville Interim Chancellor Dr. Kimberly van Noort. "They will create a considerable ripple effect by inspiring others to consider how they can play a significant role in the future of Bulldog Athletics."
The 2022-23 men's basketball season was historic on many levels, featuring an undefeated home record and 27 wins overall, a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Campbell in the Big South Tournament Championship game, and the first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2016.
"Our program cannot thank the anonymous family and Brumit's enough for the support of our program," said head men's basketball coach Mike Morrell.
"Their generous gifts do so much more than just help build on the momentum we have created here within the men's basketball program. Most importantly, this will allow us to continue enhancing the experience of our student-athletes while here at UNC Asheville," Morrell added. "After winning the Big South Regular Season Championship and Tournament Championship this past season, we aim to sustain a championship-level program within the Big South and this generosity helps us achieve that goal. It is definitely a GREAT day to be a Bulldog!"
Feeling inspired to help support this challenge gift? Please contact Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone at jcone@unca.edu or (828) 251-6922.