University of Minnesota Duluth athletics not only enjoyed another exceptional year in the three C's -- classroom, competition and community -- during the 2018-19 sports season (for a complete UMD Athletics "Year-in-Review" click here), but the Bulldogs also reached unprecedented heights in generating resources needed to achieve those successes today and into the future.

Over $1 million was raised from more than 2,000 donors (a record number) for the 2019 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. This  includes current and future gifts to the Bulldog Club Annual Fund as well as named scholarships, program support, capital projects and multiple fundraising events. This marks the sixth year in a row UMD athletics has generated over $1 million in fundraising revenue-- a department first. Prior to 2014, UMD athletics had never reached the $1 million fundraising mark.

"Bulldog alumni, donors and fans continue to share their passion and generosity with our student-athletes and coaches," said UMD Senior Development Officer of Athletics Gary Holquist. "Thank you to all of Bulldog Country for providing the financial resources needed for UMD's championship efforts in  classroom, in competition, and in community volunteerism. We couldn't do it without your support."

Among the fundraising highlights for 2018-19:
• Two newly-named scholarships were established --  the Josh Berlo Family Scholarship and the Baseball Legacy Scholarship -- bringing UMD athletics' total to 49.  In addition, donors contributed $515,000 to previously-named scholarships.
• Through the "Locker Project" initiative, which were started three years ago, an additional two locker rooms -- women's tennis and women's hockey -- were renovated and/or remodeled. This brings the total locker room upgrades to seven out of a possible 12 sports. The five remaining locker rooms upgrades are currently fundraising priorities.  
• Sport-specific initiatives continued to augment operating budgets for their respective programs, and through the support of alumni, fans, and friends of UMD Athletics -- plus the addition of sport-specific parent and family funds -- raised over $150,000.
• Philanthropic gifts to the Romano 2020 Project assisted with facility Romano Gymnasium upgrades such as a new video control room and branding projects.

"Once again our generous donors continue to make a difference for the great Bulldog student-athletes," said UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo. "Their record-breaking generosity -- especially over the last six years -- has been outstanding and impactful. I sincerely ask each Bulldog athletics donor to find a moment to reflect upon and enjoy the amazing accomplishments of the past year and take a bit of personal pride in the successes they helped make possible."