Athletics Endowment Funds

At Houghton University, important and transformative learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Some of our students have their most powerful experiences on the athletics field, in the locker room, or on the team bus.

In recognition of the vital role athletics plays in the lives of our students, Houghton alumni and friends are paving the way to ensure the future flourishing of Highlander Athletics programs by creating endowment funds that will support and enhance the student-athlete experience.

To date, alumni and friends have created twelve endowments to enhance Highlander Athletics:  ten supporting individual athletic teams, one supporting intramural and club sports and one as an overall Athletics Endowment Fund.

I was an avid sports fan and intramural athlete during my time as a student at Houghton, and I’ve long been a supporter of Highlander Athletics. I wanted to make a gift that would have a long-term impact on the experiences of students like me, who love athletics, but don’t play on a collegiate team. Establishing both the Athletic Endowment and the Club and Intramural Sports Endowment at Houghton was the perfect way to make a long-lasting impact above and beyond the general operations and to make sure these kinds of programs remain available to Houghton students in the future.

- Kris Clester ’01

Originally created with a minimum investment of $25,000 these endowed funds will provide future resources outside the operating budget, including NCCAA post-season play, acquisition of new equipment and program enhancements as determined by coaches and the Director of Athletics.

Give to Athletic Endowment Funds

Currently, five sports are seeking initial investment to create a permanently endowed fund: Field Hockey, Baseball, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Volleyball and Men’s Tennis.

If you have interest in creating an endowment or giving to an existing endowment, please contact National Director of Athletics Engagement, H. “Skip” Lord at 585-567-9340.