University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Athletics Surpasses Centennial Campaign Goal
February 27, 2018 | Bruin Athletics
LOS ANGELES - With more than a year and a half remaining in the University's $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign, UCLA Athletics has officially surpassed its initial goal of raising $260 million and has now set its sights on securing $300 million in private funds by the end of 2019, UCLA's 100th anniversary year. As we embark upon our second century, these funds will ultimately help shape the future of UCLA's intercollegiate athletics program.
The Centennial Campaign for UCLA, which began in 2013, includes UCLA Athletics' newly-established $300 million goal, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of its intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics' primary objective during the Campaign is to lay the foundation for a financially-sustainable future, to build upon its standing as the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the nation.
"Surpassing our ambitious Centennial fundraising goal is a true testament to the incredible support of the Bruin family, and it's extremely difficult to adequately express our appreciation to all who have donated," said Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero. "Nevertheless, while we have achieved a tremendous goal, the need is not finite. Costs, to competitively fund program excellence, continue to rise. In 2018, athletic department expenses are projected to reach more than $115 million. Nearly 20 percent of our overall department budget is funded by private donations, so it is vital to the future success of UCLA Athletics that we continue to generate substantial revenue in this manner."
Dedicated to providing the student-athlete with an unparalleled experience both academically and athletically, UCLA Athletics is impacted by the Centennial Campaign in three distinct ways: capital gifts that lead to state-of-the-art facilities, student-athlete support through endowments, and the further enhancement of operational support that provides resources for the development of nearly 700 UCLA student-athletes.
Record giving from nearly 16,000 individuals over the past few years has already translated into impactful, tangible results in these three areas:
Capital Gifts
- The addition of the Wasserman Football Center and the Mo Ostin Basketball Center, facilities supporting UCLA football and men's and women's basketball student-athletes, respectively
- Capital renovations and upgrades to Elvin "Ducky" Drake Stadium, Easton Stadium, Jackie Robinson Stadium, Acosta Athletic Center and Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion
- The renovation of Yates Gym, the home of UCLA gymnastics, including the addition of the Don Shepherd UCLA Gymnastics Suite
- The planned addition of Mapes Beach, a facility supporting UCLA beach volleyball student-athletes
- The planned addition of Wallis Annenberg Stadium, a facility that will serve as the primary competition venue for UCLA men's and women's soccer.
Endowments
- The establishment of 96 new Four Deep Scholarship Endowments , which provide support for student-athlete financial aid
- Expansion of athletic scholarships to include full cost of attendance
Operational/Student-Athlete Development Support
- Expansion of academic and student support services provided to student-athletes to ensure their academic success
- Enhanced comprehensive mental health support system for student-athletes
- Expansion of the Student-Athlete Development Program, which focuses on personal growth, leadership, professional development and community service
- Further development of the performance nutrition program to promote optimal fueling and recovery
Alumni, fans and friends of UCLA Athletics have stepped up to support Bruin student-athletes throughout the Campaign. With the department's increased goal, it is the hope that philanthropic support to UCLA Athletics will continue.
For more information on the Centennial Campaign or to support UCLA student-athletes, contact the UCLA Athletics Development Office at 310-206-3302 or visit www.woodenathleticfund.com.
What They Are Saying
"UCLA holds a very special place in my heart. My time at UCLA helped mold me into the person I am today, and I want the Bruin student-athletes that come after me to have the same opportunity I had to achieve their boyhood dreams." โ Troy Aikman
"I think athletics is underestimated as a way to change people's lives. To be able to bring young student-athletes to this university, expose them to this university through their skill and their passionโฆ their success in life will not necessarily come from being athletes; it will come from being Bruins." โ Casey Wasserman
"We are delighted to be associated with UCLA Athletics and to make an impact on future generations of student-athletes." -- John Mapes
"I loved my time at UCLA and jumped at the opportunity to give back to the university that provided me with amazing opportunities and great memories. I am truly honored to be part of the legacy that is Bruin basketball." โ Russell Westbrook
"UCLA will always be my home. I have such fond memories of my time here, from meeting Coach Wooden, to our run to the Final Four. I want to give back to the school and help prepare all the athletes who come through UCLA sports programs for their next steps, just like my time on campus prepared me." โ Kevin Love
"I'm delighted to play my part in creating a state-of-the-art new stadium for UCLA soccer, because nothing does more to build a sense of character, a culture of achievement and a strong fabric of community than an extraordinary sports program." โ Wallis Annenberg
