CHICAGO - UIC athletics is proud to announce the launch of the UIC Lettermen's Club, an organization exclusively for former Flames student-athletes and coaches. The goals of the Lettermen's Club will be to celebrate the history and traditions of UIC athletics, provide opportunities for former student-athletes to reconnect with each other, and encourage impactful relationships between former and current student-athletes. The Lettermen's Club is a transformation of the UIC Athletic Alumni Club (UICAAC), an autonomous organization that has supported UIC Athletics for more than four decades.

"I am looking forward to a seamless transition to Lettermen's Club from our UIC Athletic Alumni Club," said Director of Athletics Jim Schmidt. "I want to thank the past pioneers who have progressed us to this historic change. To name a few, the creators of the UICAAC such as the late Les Miller and former Director of Athletics Tom Russo, the late Jim Ryan, and past presidents Mike DiVitorio and Joel Hawkins. These people worked tireless volunteer hours to assist us in developing our program while supporting coaches and student-athletes."

The Lettermen's Club will work closely with the UIC Champions Club, which is the athletic department's annual fund that enables individuals to support the Flames. All former Flames student-athletes who make an annual gift to the Champions Club can have their Lettermen's Club membership dues allocated from their donation. This alignment will allow for opportunities for recognition and engagement that unite all supporters of UIC athletics.

"The Lettermen's Club celebrates our former student-athletes and the partnership with the Champions Club will allow them to join with our donors and sponsors in having an impact on the lives of our current student-athletes," said Andrew Haring, Associate Athletic Director for Development. "As both the Lettermen's Club and the Champions Club grow, the impact on the UIC Flames is going to be tremendous.

The Lettermen's Club recently elected officers that will serve two-year terms. The club's first president is Johner (J.T.) Wilson (Men's Basketball, 1999), with Liz (Hrebic) Morelli (Volleyball, 2008) serving as first vice-president and Moriba Diallo (Men's Soccer, 2011) serving as second vice-president. Megan Colins (Volleyball, 2007) is the director of communication for the Lettermen's Club. Additional officers and board members will be elected and invited throughout the upcoming year.

"This is an exciting time at UIC," said Wilson. "And we are thrilled to engage, expand and extend the legacy of the UIC athletics community through the Letterman's Club. The Club will focus on adding value to the membership and UIC at large through individual enrichment, professional development and social collaboration. We are excited to have all former Flames student-athletes members of the UIC Lettermen's Club."

The UIC Lettermen's Club will continue the majority of the fundraising and social activities that were associated with the UIC Athletic Alumni Club, including conducting a 50/50 Raffle at men's basketball games, the Big Ticket Raffle, and the Coaches Grant Program. Additionally, the Lettermen's Club will be involved with the athletic department's bi-annual Hall of Fame event, assist with athletic alumni reunion events and host social gatherings for the enjoyment of its members.

To make a gift to the Champions Club and become a member of the UIC Lettermen's Club, former Flames student-athletes are encouraged to contact Haring at 312-996-2042 or aharing@uic.edu. Donations can also be made online under the DONATE button at www.UICFlames.com.