Providence College Athletics
Providence College Athletics Celebrates A New Fundraising Record
8/11/2023 10:00:00 AM | Athletic Department
$7.4M was raised from the community in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Today, Friartown celebrated a new milestone thanks to the generosity of more than 5,000 alumni, parents, students, and friends. Providence College Athletics is proud to report that $7.4M was raised from our community in the 2022-23 fiscal year to support our student-athletes. This number represents the largest amount of cash raised for Friar Athletics in the College's history.
"Here at Providence College, we are constantly asking our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to raise the bar," Athletics Director Steve Napolillo said. "I am proud of the work being accomplished on campus, and I am so grateful that our donors are partnering with us to help us attain our goals. This has been a year filled with transition and opportunities. I am thankful to be a part of this special community, one that believes in the success of Friartown and one that shows their generosity to make that vision a reality. I would like to thank Kevin Connolly and the team for their hard work and passion for achieving these goals."
This fiscal year was highlighted by several landmark gifts, including four, seven-figure gifts and two newly established sport-specific endowed funds. Additionally, the Athletic Director's Cup, presented by Rossi Electric, was formed to raise funds based on rotating needs from year to year. The inaugural event's proceeds are being used to send our Women's Ice Hockey program to Belfast, Northern Ireland so that they can compete at an international level in the Friendship Series. Further, this year was marked with new leadership for the Men's and Women's Basketball teams, ushering in a new era of Friars Basketball, along with the hiring of a full-time sports nutritionist and sports psychologist.
"One of the main reasons I chose to come to Providence College was the loyalty of the community," Providence College Men's Basketball Head Coach Kim English said. "In the era of Name, Image, and Likeness, I was told that the Friar Family would come through in supporting our players and the College. So far, they have proven that, and we are so grateful for that generosity."
"This year our program received the largest gift in its history, thanks to the generosity of W. Rockwell 'Rocky' Wirtz," Providence College Field Hockey Head Coach Diane Madl said. "This incredible support, from the parent of an alum of the program, provides us with an amazing opportunity that will impact our program at every level from scholarship allotment to the overall development of our student-athletes. We are so grateful for Rocky's support, and we were so sorry to hear of his sudden passing. His generosity has forever cemented his legacy on our program, and we are forever grateful."
"The philanthropic support of our community has transformed Providence College into a destination where student-athletes can compete at the highest level while receiving a first-class education," Assistant Vice President and Associate Athletic Director Kevin Connolly stated. "Coupled with success in NIL, it is easy to see why the best days of Friar Athletics are ahead of us."
