SPRINGFIELD, Mo., September 22, 2023 — The Champions Challenge, Drury’s annual crowdfunding campaign to help underwrite the Athletics Department, reached the highest total in its four years totaling $288,630 during the eight-day event that concluded on Sept. 19.
More than 900 donors contributed to a total that generated more than $25,000 dollars above last year’s final tally.
Thompson Sales served as the title sponsor for this year’s event.
“I want to thank Thompson Sales for their sponsorship and the more than 900 donors that made contributions in this year’s Champions Challenge,” said Drury Vice President & Director of Athletics, Nyla Milleson. “These gifts will help make a positive impact on the student-athlete experience at Drury and will create opportunities that will transform lives. It’s gratifying to see the number of people that recognize that and are passionate enough about Drury Athletics to contribute!”
This was the fourth year for the Champions Challenge. Proceeds from the campaign help fund Drury’s 33 sports including 21 competing at the NCAA level.
“We are so thankful to all of the donors who see the value in supporting Drury student-athletes and the programs and coaches who work hard and rely on this Challenge,” said Marie Muhvic, Drury’s Executive Vice President of University Advancement. “Perhaps the most exciting thing this year is the record number of donors and the fact that many of those were student-athletes themselves and new leadership gifts from parents. Of course, it is imperative to have a title sponsor to kick-off the Challenge, so we were thrilled that Thompson Sales stepped up for Drury.”
The successful fundraising campaign continues the momentum for Drury University, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in the 2023-24 academic year. Last spring, Drury celebrated the opening the of C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Enterprise Center and Breech School of Business Administration and Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center. Later this year, Drury Athletics will open a new locker room and training center for the triathlon program, and the Bill Harding Performance and Training Center.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
