University of Houston Athletics
Houston Rising: $5 Million Gift Bolsters Houston Rise Campaign
8/16/2022 2:00:00 PM | Football
Transformative commitment dedicated to Football Operations Center
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Athletics Department announced Tuesday a substantial boost to the Houston Rise capital campaign from a family synonymous with Houston Cougar Athletics.
A $5 million pledge from Tricia and Rusty Penick represents another significant step forward for Houston Rise and fundraising for the Football Operations Center (FOC), the campaign's fundamental priority.
The Penick family's generosity toward Houston Athletics through the years has been significant, with their support for both TDECU Stadium and the Fertitta Center of paramount importance. Since 2019, the Penick family name has resided on the Fertitta Center playing surface as a tribute to their unwavering dedication and selfless service to Houston Athletics.
"The continued rise of Houston Athletics is something that Trish and I are very passionate about," said Rusty Penick, co-founding partner and former CEO of Maintenance Supply Headquarters. "Tremendous progress has been made, but the most important work is still in front of us. When we start play in the Big 12 [Conference], we expect to win. The campaign and, more specifically, the Football Operations Center is essential to this expectation. Trish and I feel fortunate, therefore, to be able to support in such a meaningful and important way."
The pace of fundraising for the FOC is accelerating, with the Penick family pledge mirroring the momentum building for the campaign and Cougar Athletics.
"For Rusty, his relationship with the University of Houston started with coming to basketball games with his brother. That has morphed into significant support of our efforts," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "They've helped us get back to what they saw when they were little kids and that level of success, particularly with basketball and now with this football gift."
Publicly launched on June 23, the Houston Rise campaign has generated over $30 million toward a $150 million goal, with a significant percentage of funds raised dedicated to the FOC. Cougar Pride's efforts will intensify through the fall as the department looks to capitalize on optimism and excitement surrounding Houston Football.
"It is a great time to be a Houston Cougar and this incredible commitment from our dear friends, the Penicks, is a testament to that," University of Houston President Renu Khator said. "Their legacy of support represents the Cougar spirit and is helping UH build a world class athletics program. We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our future."
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
A $5 million pledge from Tricia and Rusty Penick represents another significant step forward for Houston Rise and fundraising for the Football Operations Center (FOC), the campaign's fundamental priority.
The Penick family's generosity toward Houston Athletics through the years has been significant, with their support for both TDECU Stadium and the Fertitta Center of paramount importance. Since 2019, the Penick family name has resided on the Fertitta Center playing surface as a tribute to their unwavering dedication and selfless service to Houston Athletics.
"The continued rise of Houston Athletics is something that Trish and I are very passionate about," said Rusty Penick, co-founding partner and former CEO of Maintenance Supply Headquarters. "Tremendous progress has been made, but the most important work is still in front of us. When we start play in the Big 12 [Conference], we expect to win. The campaign and, more specifically, the Football Operations Center is essential to this expectation. Trish and I feel fortunate, therefore, to be able to support in such a meaningful and important way."
The pace of fundraising for the FOC is accelerating, with the Penick family pledge mirroring the momentum building for the campaign and Cougar Athletics.
"For Rusty, his relationship with the University of Houston started with coming to basketball games with his brother. That has morphed into significant support of our efforts," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "They've helped us get back to what they saw when they were little kids and that level of success, particularly with basketball and now with this football gift."
Publicly launched on June 23, the Houston Rise campaign has generated over $30 million toward a $150 million goal, with a significant percentage of funds raised dedicated to the FOC. Cougar Pride's efforts will intensify through the fall as the department looks to capitalize on optimism and excitement surrounding Houston Football.
"It is a great time to be a Houston Cougar and this incredible commitment from our dear friends, the Penicks, is a testament to that," University of Houston President Renu Khator said. "Their legacy of support represents the Cougar spirit and is helping UH build a world class athletics program. We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our future."
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
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