Donations to Blazer Boosters, the fundraising arm of UAB Athletics, exceeded $5 million in 2015 — a record achievement made possible through the unprecedented support of fans, friends and supporters.
“We are so grateful to our loyal fans and community for their tremendous support,” said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. “I’d like to thank our donors, the Blazer Boosters staff and the UAB Development Office for all of their hard work. Great things are happening at UAB.”
Blazer Boosters membership increased 36.4 percent in 2015, and nearly 1,500 members made generous donations. Annual scholarship contributions surpassed $1.3 million this giving year, while more than $18 million was pledged toward the enhanced support of the football, bowling and rifle programs, including more than $13 million in philanthropy, said Brad Hardekopf, associate athletics director for development.
“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together, but I am even more excited for the victories ahead of us,” said Hatton Smith, CEO emeritus of Royal Cup Coffee and Tea, who chairs the committee that launched the Finish the Drive campaign to raise funds for UAB Athletics — especially facilities.
“What is good for UAB is good for Birmingham, and successful athletic programs will provide a platform to tell the world the story of both UAB and Birmingham.”
Learn more about Blazer Boosters and its initiatives at BlazerBoosters.com.
Journey through time in “Fifty Years of Dreams and Discoveries,” a 200-page pictorial book that chronicles UAB’s rise from a nascent university in 1969 to a leading doctoral research university.
