A new commitment of more than $5 million from a former baseball student-athlete and his wife – both of whom are UCF alumni -- is the largest pledged gift in UCF Athletics' history.
The anonymous gift includes $4 million in support of UCF's baseball program and more than $1 million for the Sharon and Marc Hagle Gateway, UCF's Football Campus.
The couple's support comes at a pivotal time as UCF prepares to join the Big 12 Conference this summer. Philanthropy through the Mission XII (www.MissionXII.com) initiative will be vital in helping all of the Knights' student-athletes unleash their full potential on a larger national stage, in the classroom, in leadership and in career development.
"Our family is devoted to enriching the lives of others, and we are proud to support UCF's talented and dedicated student-athletes and help them succeed on the field and in their lives," the couple said.
This is the second gift commitment of $5 million or more in support of UCF Athletics in the last eight months.
"We are thankful for our donors' generosity, which will help our student-athletes excel and compete for championships for decades to come," said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. "I am proud that UCF's successful alumni believe in their alma mater and invest in enabling our students and faculty to unleash their potential and positively change the world."
Terry Mohajir, vice president and director of athletics, said the commitment comes at "the perfect time as we take the next step in our Mission XII objectives to deliver unique athletics facilities in the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village."
"Our donors' passion, energy and generosity will strengthen UCF's baseball and football programs – and our ChargeOn Fund momentum -- as we transition to the Big 12 Conference," he said. "We hope their outstanding example will inspire more of our Varsity Knights to consider giving back and supporting the future of their programs."
UCF head baseball coach Greg Lovelady said this gift will be "a game changer" for recruiting and player development.
"It means so much to our UCF baseball family that one of our baseball alumni and his wife have chosen to invest so generously in the future of our program," he said.
UCF announced and celebrated the gift commitment during the Knights' baseball home opener Friday, Feb. 17, as a surprise to the baseball program.
For more information about the Shareholders Society, the major gift program to charitably support UCF Athletics, click here.
