Stony Brook University
03/28/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2023 08:07
Anonymous $2.5M Gift to Athletics to Aid Baseball, Softball
A rendering of what the renovated SBU baseball and softball complex could look like, with Joe Nathan Field on the left.
Stony Brook Hall of Famer Joe Nathan '97 Makes Lead Donation in Matching Gift Challenge
Stony Brook University and its athletics programs will benefit from a $2.5 million gift in the form of a 1:1 matching challenge - designated to strengthen Stony Brook Baseball and Softball, cornerstones of the university's athletics department.
The same family also provided an additional $500,000 in support for the Stony Brook basketball program and their individual athletes' and programmatic needs, including academic incentive awards for student-athletes, team travel and meal costs, and recruiting.
The gift inspired Stony Brook star and former Major League Baseball pitcher Joe Nathan '97 - the first player from Stony Brook to reach the major leagues and one of the most successful closers in MLB history - to make a lead gift to aid in the effort to revitalize Stony Brook's baseball and softball complex. In making this gift, Nathan is renewing his support of the facility; his 2008 contribution led to the initial construction of Joe Nathan Field.
"This is an exciting moment for Stony Brook Baseball and Softball. When I first learned of this incredible matching gift, I was moved by this family's generosity and passion for the program that has meant so much to me," said Nathan. "Their gift has the potential to transform the future of Joe Nathan Field and University Field, and I am so thankful for their investment in our student-athletes."
"With that in mind, it is an honor to make a lead gift to the project and support the vision of a state-of-the-art facility for Stony Brook Baseball and Softball. My family and I are thrilled to be the first, of what we hope are many, donors to take advantage of this $2.5 million matching fund and help make a lasting impact on Stony Brook Baseball and Softball," Nathan said.
Stony Brook Athletics will now set out to raise the entire $2.5 million matched amount, in order to generate a total investment of $5 million into revitalizing the baseball and softball complex. Additionally, as the Stony Brook community prepares for its upcoming Giving Day on Wednesday, March 29, Stony Brook Athletics will utilize $50,000 of the challenge funds as a Giving Day matching opportunity, allowing members of the community to make gifts of any size and be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Read the complete story at SBU Athletics.
Feeling inspired? To learn more about how you can #HoldDoorsOpen and support the next generation of Seawolves this Giving Day, visit givingday.stonybrook.edu.