Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Begins First Team Scholarship Program
5/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
May 18, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's Bulldog Foundation has introduced a new scholarship giving program called "First Team Starting Line-up".
This program allows donors to participate in Bulldog athletics by providing a scholarship to a designated position for one of four sports: football, men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball.
For an annual contribution of $11,000, the cost of an in-state full-ride scholarship, individuals can sponsor one position on a team. For instance, an individual may sponsor the position of point guard on the men's or women's basketball team, running back on the football team or the setter on the volleyball team. The scholarships ensure student-athletes have the means to pay for tuition, fees, books and living expenses so they can focus on academic studies and participate in athletics. A three-year commitment is required.
"This is a special new program that will not only generate necessary scholarship money for the athletics department, but will also increase and instill pride in Fresno State Athletics," said Greg Walaitis, Fresno State's Associate Athletics Director for Development. "Based on the interest we have already received, we are hopeful we can fill 40 positions, the starting positions of four sports. After that, our goal is to expand to other sports and to non-starting positions on all teams in the future."
According to Walaitis, nine individuals have already made commitments to sponsor a position. This program is a new component of the annual Bulldog Foundation Scholarship Fund Drive.
"This is another way for individuals to give to the program in a way that is very meaningful to a specific position on a specific team," Walaitis added.
The benefits to those who give include:
1.) Listing in the athletic game programs for each game.
2.) Recognition on the arena and stadium scoreboards.
3.) Recognition in the Bulldog Foundation Community Room in the Save Mart Center.
4.) Annual reception to meet student-athletes receiving the scholarship.
Anonymous gifts are also welcome. Tax-deductible contributions are made to the Bulldog Foundation, designated for the specific sport that is sponsored.
For more information on the "First Team Starting Line-up" program contact the Bulldog Foundation at (559) 278-7160.
