UConn to Pursue New Funding Strategy for Athletic Facilities

UConn trustees have endorsed a funding strategy that will allow the University to improve its athletic facilities to sustain their sports’ competitiveness while avoiding the use of tuition or state dollars for the projects.

The Board of Trustees on Wednesday authorized UConn administrators to develop a plan to implement the strategy, which relies on private philanthropy and revenue generated by UConn Athletics through a facilities enhancement surcharge on non-student tickets.

Joshua Newton, president and chief executive officer of the UConn Foundation, said Rizza’s gift and the donor-supported Burton, Shenkman, and Werth facilities “serve as evidence that UConn Nation can rally to support its Huskies.”

“The vote today by the trustees speaks directly to the important role philanthropy must continue to play in the success of UConn Athletics,” Newton said Wednesday. “The Foundation is eager to engage potential donors about these exciting projects. We’re also committed to our other major fundraising initiative launched by the Foundation in the last year: the Transform Lives Scholarship initiative, with a goal of raising $150 million for scholarships and student support.”