The 2018-19 academic year ushered in tremendous success for the UIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in the classroom, in competition and in the community. Major highlights included back-to-back semesters with a 3.14 cumulative student-athlete GPA, five conference championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances, leading all Horizon League schools in the DI Learfield IMG College Directors' Cup standings and setting a record for hours in service to others in Chicagoland. Just as impressive was the successful launch and inaugural performance of the Flames Athletic Fund, the official fundraising arm of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Flames Athletic Fund raised nearly $4.9 million in new business during the fiscal year, demonstrating the financial commitment that alumni, friends and fans have to the UIC Flames. The $4.9 million total surpassed the $1.3 million and $2.2 million totals raised in fiscal years 2017 and 2018, respectively, with alumni contributing almost double the amount of revenue than in 2017-18. Moreover, Intercollegiate Athletics has secured more than $15.2 million in new business toward its $23 million unit goal for IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC, which has amassed $422 million for numerous campus-wide initiatives.

 "There has never been a better time than now to unify the entire UIC family, and create access for and offer an exceptional experience to tomorrow's leaders" said Mike Bamonti, Director of Advancement and Senior Associate Athletics Director. "The fire burning within our generous donors from the alumni and business community has greatly fueled this competitive excellence and fostered an environment that encourages academic achievement and individual development of our more than 300 student-athletes. Our ambition to consistently win championships and position UIC on the national stage is only made possible with the generosity of the Flames' most dedicated and loyal supporters, so THANK YOU for your investment!"

All 18 Flames Division I sport programs have benefited from the contributions made to the Flames Athletic Fund, with donations positively impacting Intercollegiate Athletics' general scholarship fund, sport-specific operations, endowments and facility enhancements. Unrestricted gifts and commitments of all sizes to the Flames Athletic Fund remain the highest priority of Intercollegiate Athletics during the IGNITE Campaign, funding a number of the Department's areas of greatest need for all student-athletes such as scholarships, nutrition, student leadership, strength and conditioning and sports medicine. 

100% of all philanthropy to the Flames Athletic Fund supports UIC's student-athletes. For more information on how to support UIC student-athletes and IGNITE, please contact Mike Bamonti at (312) 996-2042 or mbamonti@uic.edu.