Northwestern University Athletics
Champions for Wildcat Women Closes Successful Inaugural Year
10/28/2020 10:14:00 AM | General, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country & Track, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Field Hockey, Women's Fencing
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern Athletics is proud to celebrate the success of the inaugural year of its Champions for Wildcat Women initiative, which strives to increase philanthropic support for women's varsity programs, empower female student-athletes and celebrate the advocates of women's athletics within the Northwestern University community.
The initiative was spearheaded in September 2019 by a generous matching gift from Wendy Nelson '91, '99 MBA, a former Northwestern tennis student-athlete and current University trustee, and has created incredible momentum for financial support of Wildcats women's athletics. "The idea for Champions for Wildcat Women was born of belief in the powerful teachings of sports, lessons learned on the journey to excel and compete at the highest level and reality that equity in sport remains a goal, not a reality," said Nelson. "The idea was born from gratitude for lessons and growth afforded me as a student-athlete at Northwestern and a desire to ensure others would be afforded the same."
In its inaugural year, Champions for Wildcat Women inspired 444 new donors and over $460,000 of new and increased giving in support of women's varsity programs.
"Champions for Wildcat Women has already had a tremendous impact on our women's programs and their student-athletes," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips. "Led by the remarkable passion, leadership and generosity of Wendy Nelson, this program has provided an integral platform to drive support for women's athletics at Northwestern."
"Being part of the Northwestern community means a commitment to excellence in all things, and excellence in athletics goes well beyond the scoreboard - it is central to how we choose to engage every day as athletes, alumni, supporters and administrators. I am beyond proud to be a Wildcat and support Jim Phillips and his team's vision, which puts the well-being and success of student-athletes academically, socially AND athletically at the core of the mission!" Nelson said.
Members will be invited to join the next virtual Champions for Wildcat Women session on December 15. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!
Learn more about Champions for Wildcat Women at SupportTheCats.com/C4WW. Join the initiative today by making a gift of $100 or more to any women's varsity program at wewill.northwestern.edu/C4WW.
