EASTON, Pa. – Lafayette College Athletics and the Maroon Club set a new high-water mark for fundraising in 2022-23, taking in $2.14 million during the 2022-23 school year. The final total represents a 16-percent increase from the previous record set in 2021-22 and a $377,000 increase since 2018-19.

More than 3,000 donors contributed gifts to Lafayette Athletics in 2022-23 for a total of 4,653 gifts. The year was capped by a well-attended Maroon Club Golf Outing in June, played for the first time at Northampton Country Club. That event backs the Maroon Club General Fund which supports student-athletes across all of Lafayette's 23 varsity programs. The Bring the Roar giving challenge in November also helped push Leopard teams toward the annual goals.

"We continue to raise the level of expectations for Lafayette Athletics, asking our dedicated group of alumni, families, friends and fans to Climb the Hill with our student-athletes and coaches. They have responded. Thank you to all who have contributed in any way. We could not do all that we do without you," said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. "The outcome of last year's fundraising effort is a tribute to the hard work of our college development staff and coaches which work so closely with our alumni and volunteers to annually push us toward our goals. We're excited to start a new academic year and our competitive seasons to continue our progress."

"We are so thankful for our alumni who play an integral role in our fundraising efforts and the overall success of our athletic endeavors," said Maroon Club President Bill Tucker '81. "Their continued support will allow current and future Leopards to compete for championships."  

The 2022-23 school year was highlighted by the men's basketball team's run to the Patriot League Final and the return home of John Troxell '94 as the Leopards' new football coach who captured a rivalry win at Fisher Stadium in the fall. 

The 2023 fall home slate begins Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. when women's soccer opens Gummeson Grounds vs. Mount St. Mary's. Five days later field hockey begins its home campaign, hosting Wagner at 7 p.m. on Rappolt Field. The formal dedication of Gummeson Grounds will take place on Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. prior to the men's soccer team's match with UMass-Lowell at 7:30 p.m. Cross country, volleyball and football begin their home seasons in September.