BABSON PARK, Mass.—Pamela P. and Brian M. Barefoot Associate Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Advancement Mike Lynch is announcing a first-of-its-kind athletics-specific fundraising campaign titled Champions Forever, which is designed to boldly move Babson College Athletics forward while further strengthening the department's position as one of the preeminent programs in NCAA Division III.

"What an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the Babson Athletics community!," said Lynch. "As the College looks to elevate to the next level, we plan to play a lead role. The Champions Forever campaign will match our 23 varsity programs and hundreds of student-athletes with best-in-class experiences and national success. It will supply the critical resources to support Babson's student-athletes and coaches as they pursue excellence on the fields of play, in the classroom and in our broader community."

The campaign priorities, funding and naming opportunities are broken down into four categories, including varsity program endowments, capital improvements, Athletics Excellence Fund support, and women's athletics and underrepresented student-athletes budget enhancing support.
 
For varsity program endowments, funding will cover enhancements on internship experiences, travel opportunities, career development, coaching education and support, and on-site nutrition, sports medicine and mental health counseling for student-athletes.
 
Targeted capital improvements funding to address critical infrastructure needs is a focus. This area covers both inside and outside facilities, from fields to the gym to the ice to the pool to indoor practice surfaces. There's also outdoor naming opportunities and spaces within the Babson Skating Center and Len Green Recreation & Athletics Complex.
 
Athletics Excellence Fund support will provide an incentive plan for coaches, high impact programs that drive success on the field, in the classroom and in the community, expanded scheduling opportunities, and additional recruiting funds.
 
Another area of emphasis is enhancing the funding available to female and underrepresented student-athletes. Gifts will be directed toward the Women's Empowerment Fund, increasing operational budgets, travel, sponsored events, and professional development opportunities for female student-athletes, and the One Team Fund, offering paid visits to prospective student-athletes with financial need, funding professional training regarding social issues, supporting student-led social and educational initiatives, and enhancing travel budgets.
 
Babson prepares and empowers entrepreneurial leaders to create lasting value for themselves, their communities and the world. That statement resonates with the College's student-athletes, who excel athletically and academically while exhibiting the highest level of sportsmanship, leadership, integrity, and honor.
 
Involvement in the Champions Forever campaign will enhance the student-athlete experience, cultivate alumni and family connections, and further position Babson as one of the nation's elite small-college athletics programs into the future.