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Alumnus Gives $1 Million to Fund Athletic Improvements |
| By
Tobin J. Klinger |
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Nov 17, 2003 |
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| UT alumnus Charles "Chuck" Sullivan, center, presented UT with a gift of $1 million during a press conference Nov. 14 and posed for a photo with Athletic Director Michael O'Brien, left, and President Dan Johnson. |
The University of Toledo recently received a $1 million gift, earmarked for renovations to three athletic facilities. The gift is the first major pledge of UT’s new capital campaign.
Thanks to the generosity of Charles A. “Chuck” Sullivan, retired chairman, CEO and president of Interstate Bakeries Corp., the University’s outdoor track, soccer field and outdoor tennis courts will receive needed rehabilitation.
“We are genuinely appreciative of the generosity of Chuck and Jackie Sullivan that is reflected in this gift,” remarked UT President Dan Johnson. “You are truly one of The University of Toledo’s greatest friends.”
“This pledge is even more significant because it represents the first major gift of our capital campaign,” Johnson added. “It is pledges like this that inspire others to fully support The University of Toledo.”
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| Charles "Chuck" Sullivan and his wife, Jackie, shared a laugh during the press conference. |
Sullivan, a 1959 alum, currently serves on the UT Foundation board of trustees and was chairman of the UT40 Campaign, The University of Toledo’s last capital campaign, which exceeded its $40 million goal.
“I am particularly proud to make this donation as the first gift of what I hope will be a tremendously successful capital campaign for this important institution,” Sullivan said. “As chairman of the UT40 Campaign, I have seen firsthand the benefits of giving to The University of Toledo, and I hope this pledge will inspire others to give back to this University that has given us so much.”
“These improved venues may empower us to attract Mid-American Conference events as well as host a variety of community events, bringing visitors, enhancing UT’s visibility and providing learning opportunities,” said Joan Uhl Browne, chair of the UT board of trustees. “Chuck and Jackie, I think I may have heard you say that the University has always been a part of your life. I think we would all agree that you are a most important part of the life of this University.”
“Today we are here to thank one of the institution’s greatest friends for a gift that will have a quick and direct benefit for our entire campus,” said Michael O’Brien, executive director of athletics. “Chuck has been a lifelong supporter of this University and has always been passionate about Rocket athletics.”
Improvements to the three areas are in the planning stage, and ground will be broken in the spring, according to O’Brien.
The capital campaign is currently in what is known as the “quiet stage,” with a range of goals under consideration, depending on the success of this early period. The University has developed a list of campaign priorities, including classroom space, scholarships, endowed faculty positions and athletic facilities.
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