University of Oklahoma Athletics
Sooner Student-Athletes Say Thank You
May 02, 2011 | Athletics
 Thank-a-Thon Video |  Photo Gallery | TheSoonerClub.com |
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For two hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, 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 and funding for new and renovated facilities.
"It's really cool to get to say `thanks' to the people who allow us to go to school and compete at OU," said men's gymnastics junior Patrick Piscitelli, who participated in last year's event.
Over 2,500 individual donors were contacted during last year's Thank-a-Thon. This year's goal is to connect with every one of the 3,000-plus Sooner Club members who participated in the Give 110% Campaign by donating an additional 10% above their 2010 gift.
"This event has been great for both our student-athletes and donors," said Director or Development Dusty Clements. "We feel it's important that these young people representing OU recognize the donors who make their scholarships possible. At the same time, we work hard to show how appreciative we are of the overwhelming support we receive from Sooner Club members at all levels. With that, a 'thank you' means much more coming from one of the student-athletes who are being directly 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 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.
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