Texas Border Business
By Jonah Goldberg
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is thankful for the support of the community that has led to unprecedented fundraising success over the last 17 months.
Since Chasse Conque started as Vice President and Director of Athletics on Aug. 26, 2019, UTRGV Athletics has raised nearly $800,000 in philanthropic commitments to help improve the student-athlete experience for the department’s 16 sports.
The increased fundraising is occurring despite the challenges of the global pandemic.
“We are deeply appreciative of the commitment the Valley has made to UTRGV Athletics,” Conque said. “In spite of the difficulties 2020 has presented, together we have built incredible momentum. The support and institutional commitment from President Bailey coupled with the investment from our community bodes well for the future of UTRGV Athletics. The impact of this support will be realized by student-athletes for years to come.”
The increased fundraising has been made possible in-part due to an increase in multi-year commitments, many of which have been made by Champions Club members.
The Champions Club, which was created in an effort to elevate the annual giving component of the V Club, provides annual support directly to UTRGV Athletics. Donations to the Champions Club fund pressing needs within the department, including capital projects. Membership to the group requires a minimum annual donation of $5,000.
“UTRGV Athletics has made itself an indispensable part of the community, making it easy to buy into their vision to Rally the Valley,” said Nick Serafy, a multi-year Champions Club member who is also the President and CEO of Proficiency Testing Service in Brownsville. “I am proud to be able to support these student-athletes and look forward to seeing the success they will experience in their professional lives.”
All donations to the V Club, regardless of size, provide UTRGV student-athletes with the resources and opportunities needed to excel in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Donations to the V Club allow donors to make a difference in the lives of about 275 student-athletes.
“Before playing at Pan American University, I played at Temple Junior College. My parents were not in a position to help financially very much and I had to work to pay my way while playing ball,” said Jack Ewing, a multi-year Champions Club member who played baseball at legacy institution Pan American University from 1975-76 and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. “Fortunately, I was blessed to get a full scholarship when I went to Pan Am. There are athletes who have a lot of God-given talent but lack the funds to enable them to continue the dreams they too had as a kid. If I can contribute to the University and it helps these young men and women pursue their dreams, I am all in.”
To become a member of the Champions Club, click here or contact UTRGV Assistant Athletic Director for Development Rogelio Chanes at (956) 665-4069 or rogelio.chanes01@utrgv.edu.
“The kind of success we have realized takes a village,” Conque said. “I want to personally thank [Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement] Dr. Kelly Scrivner for her support and partnership. I also want to recognize the efforts of [Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Revenue Officer]Vince Volpe and the entire external operations team for all their hard work. Together we are making a significant impact on the lives of our student-athletes.”
