BOSTON – Through the continued support of alumni, parents and friends, coupled with multiple transformative gifts, the Boston University Department of Athletics raised over $5.7 million in cash and pledges during the 2024 fiscal year including a record-breaking $2.4 million toward its Annual Fund.
 
BU achieved a record-breaking amount through its Annual Fund for the second consecutive year, with five programs—men's ice hockey, softball, women's soccer, and men's and women's track & field and cross country—setting new fundraising benchmarks of their own. This substantial funding aims to enhance the current student-athlete experience and prioritize team initiatives. 
 
"On behalf of BU Athletics, I would like to extend our deep gratitude across our amazing group of supporters," said director of athletics Drew Marrochello. "Our department prides itself on providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes, and that continues to be the case thanks to the generosity of so many. We are able to compete at the highest levels in large part to the year-round support we receive all across Terrier Nation."
 
Almost 9,000 unique donors contributed to BU Athletics in Fiscal Year 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Notable highlights also include: 
 
Giving Day: The 10th annual event on April 3 saw the Department of Athletics exceed $1 million in gifts for the seventh consecutive year, nearly reaching $1.4 million for the first time ever. This day marked a record-breaking level of support for Terrier student-athletes, with over 2,700 gifts contributing to this achievement. The total represented 36% of the $3.8 million raised across campus, setting a new high for Athletics. The initiative also saw 250 donations of $1,000 or more, including 41 gifts surpassing $10,000, with 100% participation from current student-athletes. Since its inception, over $10.1 million has been raised through the Giving Day movement in support of Terrier student-athletes. 
 
Terriers Together: The fourth annual multi-day campaign involved each head coach identifying specific fundraising priorities that addressed their teams' critical needs. This effort resulted in $331,000 raised, an 11% increase from the previous year. Funds will enhance equipment, nutrition, recruitment efforts and out-of-region travel. 
 
Young Alumni Participation: In 2023-24, 36% of athletics young alumni (classes of 2014-23) made a gift in support of their program. Matching challenges were created as part of the Giving Day and Terriers Together campaigns, and the Athletics Young Alumni Council, chaired by Emily Redito (Questrom'16), continues to engage young alumni with their teams, the Department and University. 
 
Parent Participation: Parents and families are integral members of the Boston University community, and their involvement with Terrier Athletics significantly impacts the day-to-day experience of student-athletes. This year, 15 families made gifts of $10,000 or more, qualifying for membership as part of the Boston University Parents Leadership Council. 
 
Major Gifts and Planned Gifts: The year saw nine major and planned gifts of $100,000 or more made, supporting various initiatives. Several gifts were directed to current facilities projects, including a lead gift for the Renovation of Walter Brown Arena. Endowments were established to support the needs of men's ice hockey and women's lightweight, bringing the total number of teams benefiting from endowments to nine. Additionally, the Athletics Director's Endowment was created to address the Department's most-pressing needs identified by the Director of Athletics.  
 
In December, three athletics supporters were inducted into the William Fairfield Warren Society for their lifetime contributions exceeding $1 million to BU. 
 
Looking ahead, BU Athletics plans to further enhance facilities, focused on the creation of team-specific endowments, and prioritize additional initiatives that will positively enhance the experience of Terrier student-athletes both academically and in competition.  
 
For more information on how to contribute and make a difference, visit GoTerriers.com/Donate or contact the Terrier Athletics Fund at 617-353-3008 or via email at terriers@bu.edu.