Panther Scholarship Club announces another record year

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The Panther Scholarship Club (PSC) posted a record year in 2022. Raising $1,554,809 for student-athlete scholarships, the PSC set a new single-year fundraising record, besting the previous fundraising year record in 2019 by $20,000.

In addition, the PSC set another record in total raised which includes gifts-in-kind, special event fundraisers and cash for a total of $2,332,615. To start the 2022 year, the PSC set a record at the 2022 Women At Play event raising $54,340 for female women's student-athlete scholarships.

A significant part of the growth can be attributed to new members and increased support. In total, the PSC welcomed in 202 new members and individuals who increased their support by at least one giving level. This growth led to $164,808 of new money to student-athlete scholarship support.

"Each and every year I am truly amazed by the support we have for our student-athletes," said Nathaniel Smith, the Director of Athletics Annual Giving & Tickets. "The passion and commitment our donors and fans have for our kids is second to none. UNI is a special place full of special people. This is the third record we've set since my time here, and it's an absolute honor and privilege to be a part of it. We are incredibly grateful!" 

"Our donors continue to answer the call and help us provide life changing opportunities for our student-athletes," said UNI Director of Athletics David Harris. "We are so appreciative of the support that we received in 2022 for the Panther Scholarship Club. These records are hard to break, but because of the generosity of our members we have been able to set cash and combined fundraising records on multiple occasions over the past several years." 

"I want to thank Nathaniel Smith for his leadership of our PSC team including those that volunteer their time to help us raise money," Harris added. "We are so fortunate to have a volunteer force that is so dedicated, hard working and focused."

The new fund year represents a major milestone for the Panther Scholarship Club, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023.

"We have some exciting things in store for this year as we continue to try and grow and hit $1.6 million," Smith added. "We have the Drive for 99 initiative, our newly formed 10% club, and we will also have a few additional giveaways to celebrate our 60th anniversary. 

Be sure to add our upcoming events to your calendar. 

• Women at Play | February 17th - Waterloo Center for the Arts - Register here 

• Rally in the Valley | April 22nd - McLeod Center - Registration opening soon

• Panther Caravan | May 15th - 18th - Locations announced soon

 

Be on the lookout for 2023 PSC materials to hit mailboxes in early February. For questions or information, please visit supportthepanthers.com, or contact the Panther Scholarship Club at 319-273-2471 or at PSC@uni.edu.