From Athletic Director Randy Spetman
Utah State University Athletics is entering one of the most critical times in its history. New challenges and opportunities are being faced on a regular basis. Our introduction into the Western Athletic Conference has been met with great success and, in some cases, great growing pains. As we join our colleagues across campus in this exciting comprehensive campaign, we anticipate new opportunities to reconnect with our former players, coaches and fans across the nation. A renewed Aggie Pride will be felt as we reach out to an ever increasing donor base that truly cares about the successes of Aggie Athletics.
Athletics Goals: $10 Million
Facilities:
North End Zone Facility to benefit all sports:
A 55,000-square-foot replacement of the previous north end zone complex is currently underway and the facility has already boosted our recruiting for all sports. The entry and reception area will contain an All-Sports Hall of Fame where receptions and events will take place, bringing parents and donors together with athletes to show the successes of Aggie Athletics. This facility will provide more than 300 student athletes a new training room comparable to, and in some aspects, better than our competitors in the WAC. Trainers and doctors will have state-of-the art equipment for treating and rehabilitating injured athletes. Hydrotherapy pools are included in this much needed renovation. The facility will also contain meeting rooms, highly improved and organized equipment rooms, and a student athlete academic center that are necessary for continued success. We must continue to lead the WAC with our student athlete GPA and graduation rate percentages.
How can I get involved?
Specifically there are several naming opportunities available in this new facility. This includes the entire building, individual floors, pillars, rooms and the outside plaza. Donate now and have your family's name proudly displayed forever. Contributions of any amount can be made to the Stadium Team Building Fund. All contributions will go directly to supporting the North End Zone Project. Please contact Athletics for specifics.
North End Zone Facility supporting Football:
The 55,000-square-foot facility above will also contain home and visiting locker rooms, coaches' locker rooms, and referee locker rooms. These improved facilities will bring Utah State to a level other Western Athletic Conference schools already have in place. Coaches' offices, position meeting rooms, and an auditorium where the whole team can meet are included in this North End Zone Complex. Having meeting rooms all in one facility will save time and allow team members and coaches to interact more easily.
How can I get involved?
Aggie-Up: This is a grass-roots program which has already enrolled more than 150 members who have committed $250 per year for five years to assist in the north end zone and other associated projects specific to football.
Locker Project:Lockers in the home locker room can be purchased. Have your name and a short message to future Aggie football players displayed for years to come.
Contributions of any amount can be made to the Stadium Team Building Fund. All contributions will go directly to supporting the North End Zone Project.
Entrance to Ralph Maughan Track and Field Complex:
The building of the new north end zone complex allows an opportunity to tie in the Ralph Maughan Track with the new facility. The track entrance will be designated by pillars identical to those already on the south end zone and planned for the north end zone area also. These pillars will commemorate one of the greatest coaches Utah State has ever had, Ralph Maughan.
How can I get involved?
Naming opportunities include plaques on the new pillars.Donate now and have your family's name proudly displayed forever. Contributions can be made to the Ralph Maughan Pillar Fund. All contributions will go directly to supporting the track entrance project.
Weight Room Facility to benefit all sports:
In order to continue to recruit quality athletes, Utah State must keep up with its competitors both in the state of Utah and in the Western Athletic conference. A new weight room facility is in the planning stages. This new facility will house all new platform lifting components along with free weights and other strength building tools. A second floor will hold treadmills, bikes, elliptical, and other weight training machines. A skywalk to connect the weight room facility with the north end zone complex is a possibility. A reception area could be created for Big Blue Scholarship Fund, USU President's pre-game tailgate, and other donor gatherings.
Press Box:
A complete demolition of the existing press box and the construction of a new press box are being planned. Included in this new facility will be twenty-four suites with 12 seats each on the first level. A President's box to seat 30 guests is also planned along with an improved press area fitted with computer connections, eating facilities, restrooms, and copying capabilities.
How can I get involved?
Naming opportunities and the ability to lease suites will be available to individuals and corporations. For more information about these and other upcoming projects, please contact Kevin Dustin, Associate Athletics Director/Development, at (435) 797-1860 or kevin.dustin@usu.edu.
Scholarships:
Our goal is to establish an endowment fund that pays for all our scholarship student athletes to attend Utah State University. The Athletics Department currently pays the University more than $2.7 million each year to provide our student athletes the opportunity to gain a degree. The Big Blue Scholarship Fund is your annual opportunity to contribute directly to scholarships for all 16 men's and women's sports—more than 300 student athletes. The Big Blue Scholarship Fund is also the means by which alumni and friends can obtain priority seating for season tickets in both football and men's basketball.
How can I get involved?
Join the Big Blue Scholarship Club at the following levels:
| Benefactor | $25,000 or greater |
| National Scholarship | $16,000 - $24,999 |
| Residential | $9,000 - $15,999 |
| Touchdown | $5,500 - $8,999 |
| Platinum | $2,500 - $5,499 |
| Diamond | $1,000 - $2,499 |
| Gold | $600 -$999 |
| Silver | $300 - $599 |
| Blue | $100 - $299 |
For a full explanation of member benefits and more information about how you can become involved in the Big Blue Scholarship Fund, please contact Tom Hale at 435-797-2583 or tom.hale@usu.edu
Individual Programs:
Donors can contribute directly to individual teams for program enhancement. Contributions made to a specific program will go toward such budgetary needs as travel, recruiting, uniforms, awards, etc. Contributions to individual programs are tax deductible to the extent of the law and appreciated, but cannot be used to fulfill priority seating.
Click here for ways to make a gift.
For questions or further information about how you or your company can support Utah State athletics, please contact Kevin Dustin:
Email: kevin.dustin@usu.edu.
Phone: (435) 797-1860
Thank you!