Nov. 26, 2007

BOSTON - Boston University Athletics held its first-ever Endowed Athletic Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 9. This special event marked the beginning of a new tradition, honoring BU Athletics donors and their legacy at the university. More than 50 attendees came from Florida, New Jersey, Arizona, and all over New England to mingle and celebrate at the Atrium of the Student Village.

Student-athletes had their first opportunity to personally meet the benefactors of their athletic scholarship. "It was great to finally meet Mr. and Mrs. Viner. It was a great opportunity to thank them in person," said Marisa Ryan, a member of the track team, and the first student-athlete in BU history to be accepted into the seven-year School of Medicine program. Ryan, last year's recipient of the Jill and Clifford Viner Family Scholarship, was invited to speak on behalf of the student-athletes.

Clifford Viner, parent of Amanda CAS '09, spoke on behalf of the donors about the warm relations he has had with BU Athletics since he and his family became involved in 2005. He was followed by his wife, Jill, who surprised everyone when she announced the Viner's intention to add a second endowed scholarship from the family.

Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch, the emcee for the event, also had a special announcement. Mike Eruzione, a 1977 graduate of the School of Education and one of the four Terrier members of the 1980 gold medal-winning US Olympic hockey team, has begun a permanently endowed scholarship that will fund a member of BU's men's ice hockey team each year.

"The luncheon provided us with the opportunity to start a relationship between our scholarship donors and the student-athletes their contribution is supporting," said Lynch. "Our goal is to grow this program substantially in years to come. The news of not one, but two new endowed scholarships for BU Athletics really topped off this great event."

A gift of an endowed scholarship is one of the most powerful statements one can make in support of our Terriers, benefitting BU student-athletes for generations to come. For more information on endowed athletic scholarships, please call the Office of Terrier Pride at 617-353-3008, or e-mail Director of Athletic Development Bill Ring at ringw@bu.edu