University of Oklahoma Athletics
Sooner Student-Athletes Say Thank You
May 03, 2010 | Athletics
 Thank-a-Thon Video |  Photo Gallery | TheSoonerClub.com |
Over 100 Sooner student-athletes representing each of OU's 21 varsity programs are participating in the second annual Sooner Club Thank-A-Thon, May 3-5.
For over two hours each night, student-athletes will be making personal phone calls to Sooner Club members simply to say "thank you" for their support of Oklahoma athletics.
Sooner Club donations are used primarily to support student-athlete scholarships, as well as provide academic resources. These contributions also play a major role in the funding of new and renovated facilities for each sport.
"Getting the opportunity to visit with the donors that make it possible for me and my peers to attend such a special university was a great experience that I will always cherish," said women's gymnastics All-American Kristin Smith, who participated in the 2009 event.
Over 2,500 individual donors were contacted during last year's inaugural Thank-A-Thon. Thanks to the overwhelming response from Sooner Club members and student-athletes alike, the goal of the 2010 Thank-A-Thon is to call as many of the over 10,000 supporters who contributed to the Sooner Club this year as possible.
"Last year's event was such a wonderful success and we really want to make an effort to reach every single one of our donors this year," said director or development Dusty Clements.
"Every donation, no matter the amount, makes an impact on our student-athletes and the overall success of our athletics department," Clements said. "We work very hard to show how appreciative we are of the overwhelming support we receive from Sooner Club members of all levels. With that, a 'thank you' means much more coming from one of the student-athletes whose lives are being impacted by their generosity."
The Oklahoma Athletics Department is one of only a handful of programs nationwide that is entirely self-supporting and receives no state funds. This reality creates a significant need for private contributions. The department's reliance on private support increases each year as the cost of education and the resources necessary to maintain a quality athletics program continue to escalate.
The Athletics Department is responsible for the educational expenses (tuition, fees, room and board, books) of more than 500 student-athletes who receive scholarships to attend OU and represent the University in intercollegiate athletics competition.
The successes enjoyed by OU student-athletes in competition, as well as in the classroom, would not be possible without the generosity of Sooner fans across the country and around the world.
Support from Sooner Club members provides vital support to all 21 of OU's varsity sports and provides each program with the resources necessary to pursue championships and supply OU's student-athletes with the academic tools needed to obtain degrees and prepare for rewarding lives after they leave OU.
You can become a member of the Sooner Club for as little as $100. While members do receive a number of benefits based on their giving - including priority seating opportunities, media guides, parking and priority points - perhaps the greatest benefit is the knowledge that their contributions directly support the student-athletes who so admirably represent the university and state by wearing the Crimson and Cream.
To join the Sooner Club, or to find out more information on membership benefits, methods of giving and more, call (405) 325-8000 or (866) Sooner Club, or visit TheSoonerClub.com.
Tuesday, June 09
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 06
