The 2015 Athletics Alumni Challenge, held in conjunction with the University-wide Day of Giving, Proud to Be Valpo, was a huge success. This year’s challenge topped last year’s in every way. 339 former Valpo student-athletes, representing every sport that the University sponsors, gave back. This includes 69 former student-athletes who made gifts for the first time. In total, over $56,000 was raised for Valpo Athletics, with nine different teams receiving more than $1,000 in gifts. The total amount received is a 36% increase from last year’s Athletics Alumni Challenge.

In addition this year featured three $5,000 challenge grants, based on participation in three areas.

Football won the competition for the greatest overall number of alumni. Men’s Tennis, Track and Field, Baseball and Women’s Soccer rounded out the top five.

Men’s Tennis won the competition for the highest percentage of alumni. This prize was presented thanks to a generous gift from Ms. Ann Bowman ’77 J.D. of Valparaiso, Ind. Golf, Women’s Soccer, Softball, Bowling and Women’s Tennis were the other top finishers in this category.

Football won the competition for the greatest number of first-time donor alumni. This prize was presented thanks to a generous gift from Mr. Leroy Schramm ’66 of Helena, Mont. Softball, Bowling, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Soccer and Swimming were the other top finishers in this category.

“Thank you to all the former student-athletes and other friends of Valpo Athletics that made this year’s Athletic Alumni Challenge and Day of Giving a huge success,” said Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera. “I am always humbled by the passion and generous investment of our former student-athletes, alumni, parents and friends.”