University of Houston Athletics
Giving Day Dedicated to Excellence in Women’s Sports
2/22/2023 8:00:00 AM | General
Houston Rise donations to be split among Houston’s nine women’s programs
HOUSTON – The University of Houston conducts its annual "Giving Day" dedicated to the continued climb as one of the nation's top public institutions.
Houston Athletics has played an increasingly central role in this 24-hour drive, with last year's event representing one of the most successful single days of annual fundraising in the athletic department's history.
With Houston now focused on the transition to the Big 12 Conference, Cougar Pride will utilize the momentum of Houston Rise and the excitement surrounding Giving Day to pinpoint a source of distinction in the Cougars' new conference: women's sports.
Over the past decade, the Big 12 has been among the standard bearers for excellence in women's sports, boasting a record of distinction among its Power 5 peers. With Houston's official entrance into the Big 12 approaching quickly (July 1), the time is now to energize all efforts dedicated to early and sustained success.
The Houston Rise campaign has been the immediate answer, with the campaign's quick start offering important momentum. To date, however, the campaign has concentrated principally on a pair of revenue sports in Football and Men's Basketball.
Giving Day presents Houston Athletics the opportunity to expand the campaign's impact and elevate women's sports as the cornerstone of the breakneck fundraising drive.
"We're thankful for everyone's support to this point. As we prepare to make this transition, we need every bit of help we can possibly get," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "Our women's programs had incredible success this year highlighted by our volleyball team competing in the Sweet 16. As we work to support our women's programs and their incredible success, we need your support now more than ever."
Houston Athletics has established R12E and WIN as the Giving Day theme, with WIN standing for "Women's Impact Now." All funds raised will be divided evenly among the department's nine women's teams. In addition, all participants will receive a R12E and WIN bracelet to commemorate their commitment to excellence in women's sports.
"Houston Rise is our catalyst for expanding our support base and, therefore, broadening the impact of our membership's generosity on our community of student-athletes," Senior Associate Athletics Director John Gladchuk said. "Giving Day provides an exciting platform to raise awareness for our women's programs while providing a competitive edge that they can carry forward into the Big 12."
The R12E and WIN theme is resonating across Houston Athletics, with March 7 serving as a chance to place women's sports at the center of the Houston Rise campaign.
"When we heard of the idea, the excitement was instant," Head Volleyball Coach and reigning American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year David Rehr said. "Historically, women's sports have arguably been somewhat overshadowed nationally by the revenue sports. That is changing and I'm proud that our department is celebrating women's sports as essential to the growth of Houston Athletics and our university at large."
To prepare our women's sports teams to compete for championships in the Big 12 Conference, R12E and WIN by clicking here.
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.
Houston Athletics has played an increasingly central role in this 24-hour drive, with last year's event representing one of the most successful single days of annual fundraising in the athletic department's history.
With Houston now focused on the transition to the Big 12 Conference, Cougar Pride will utilize the momentum of Houston Rise and the excitement surrounding Giving Day to pinpoint a source of distinction in the Cougars' new conference: women's sports.
Over the past decade, the Big 12 has been among the standard bearers for excellence in women's sports, boasting a record of distinction among its Power 5 peers. With Houston's official entrance into the Big 12 approaching quickly (July 1), the time is now to energize all efforts dedicated to early and sustained success.
The Houston Rise campaign has been the immediate answer, with the campaign's quick start offering important momentum. To date, however, the campaign has concentrated principally on a pair of revenue sports in Football and Men's Basketball.
Giving Day presents Houston Athletics the opportunity to expand the campaign's impact and elevate women's sports as the cornerstone of the breakneck fundraising drive.
"We're thankful for everyone's support to this point. As we prepare to make this transition, we need every bit of help we can possibly get," Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "Our women's programs had incredible success this year highlighted by our volleyball team competing in the Sweet 16. As we work to support our women's programs and their incredible success, we need your support now more than ever."
Houston Athletics has established R12E and WIN as the Giving Day theme, with WIN standing for "Women's Impact Now." All funds raised will be divided evenly among the department's nine women's teams. In addition, all participants will receive a R12E and WIN bracelet to commemorate their commitment to excellence in women's sports.
"Houston Rise is our catalyst for expanding our support base and, therefore, broadening the impact of our membership's generosity on our community of student-athletes," Senior Associate Athletics Director John Gladchuk said. "Giving Day provides an exciting platform to raise awareness for our women's programs while providing a competitive edge that they can carry forward into the Big 12."
The R12E and WIN theme is resonating across Houston Athletics, with March 7 serving as a chance to place women's sports at the center of the Houston Rise campaign.
"When we heard of the idea, the excitement was instant," Head Volleyball Coach and reigning American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year David Rehr said. "Historically, women's sports have arguably been somewhat overshadowed nationally by the revenue sports. That is changing and I'm proud that our department is celebrating women's sports as essential to the growth of Houston Athletics and our university at large."
To prepare our women's sports teams to compete for championships in the Big 12 Conference, R12E and WIN by clicking here.
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.
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