Chicago, Ill. – UIC Athletics and the
Flames Athletic Fund raised nearly $70,000 from 144 donors to record its best ever
#GivingTuesday campaign this December. Athletics also recorded the single largest #GivingTuesday gift in University history, a $50,000 donation towards student-athlete scholarships.
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"In a year that posed significant challenges for so many, we are especially grateful for the outpouring of support from our Flames Family this Giving Tuesday," said UIC Director of Athletics
Michael Lipitz. "We hope this momentum inspires others to invest in our student-athletes by making an annual gift to the Flames Athletic Fund."
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UIC's 18 varsity teams once again engaged in friendly competition across four giving categories: (1) highest student-athlete alumni giving percentage; (2) most unique donors; (3) most dollars raised; and (4) most young alumni donors (UIC graduates from the 2010-2020 classes). The Flames men's soccer program swept all four categories.
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"The support shown to men's soccer and the entire athletic department is greatly appreciated," said UIC men's soccer head coach
Sean Phillips. "In a unique year like this one, your support means so much to our student-athletes and we are truly grateful to those who continually support Flames Athletics."
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In addition to supporting specific teams, donors directed gifts to academic support, sports medicine, nutrition, strength and conditioning, athletic facilities, and community engagement and leadership development, which will further enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
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#GivingTuesday is part of UIC's
IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC, for which Intercollegiate Athletics has raised over $16 million toward its $23 million goal
. Opportunities to support student-athlete success during
IGNITE are still available. To become a member of the Flames Athletic Fund, please join at
www.uicflames.com/faf. Gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated, and make a direct and immediate impact on the UIC student-athlete experience.
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