go gold

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY IS DIVISION I.

S U M M A R Y

The move to Division I not only enhances NKU Athletics, it also betters the entire northern Kentucky and greater Cincinnati region.

NKU began laying the groundwork for a move to DI years ago by investing in a stronger infrastructure – state-of-the-art academic buildings, superior athletics facilities, higher standards for incoming students – but a firm foundation is just the beginning. To make the move to DI, NKU needs the assistance of everyone – faculty, staff, alumni, students, businesses, state government, and the community. NKU needs your support in GO GOLD, NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN. Support for our student-athletes comes in many forms; attending sporting events, spreading the word about the academic opportunities NKU has to offer, offering financial assistance, and partnering with NKU to provide students with internships and opportunities. Regardless of your specific relationship with NKU, you can provide support that matches your desires for the region.

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBERS J. David Bender (Co-Chair)Dr. James BilboChristopher ColeDenny EganTrent LucasTom McGill

Richard MurgatroydJohn SalyersKenney ShieldsNathan SmithAlice Sparks (Co-Chair)

2 GO GOLD: NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN

Table of Contents

04 A GOLDEN OPPORTUNIT Y

06 THE GOLDEN YEARS

08 STRIKING GOLD

13 NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

14 GO GOLD

GO GOLD, NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN, is about raising funds to meet the needs of NKU student-athletes and the region. The $6 million campaign encompasses four specific areas, all of which make us more competitive as a DI institution:

SCHOLARSHIPS ............................................$3.0 MILLION

FACILITIES ....................................................$1.5 MILLION

ACADEMIC SUPPORT ..................................... $1.0 MILLION

GO GOLD EXCELLENCE FUND .........................$0.5 MILLION(RECRUITING, TRAVEL EXPENSES, EQUIPMENT PURCHASES, AND OTHER ATHLETIC PRIORITIES)

You can support the area that most appeals to you, or you can designate an unrestricted contribution to the GO GOLD EXCELLENCE FUND, which will allow NKU Athletics to address its greatest needs.

Please read on for specifics about the different fundraising opportunities, and feel free to call (859) 572-6632 or visit www.NKUGoGold.com for more information.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY 3

LIPSCOMBNASHVILLE

USC UPSTATESPARTANBURG

KENNESAW STATEKENNESAW

MERCERMACON

JACKSONVILLEJACKSONVILLE

STETSONDELAND

FLORIDA GULF COASTFORT MYERS

ETSUJOHNSON CITY

NKUHIGHLAND HEIGHTS

NORTH FLORIDAJACKSONVILLE

HIGH-LEVEL COMPETITION At its core, NKU is committed to the highest standards of excellence in every dimension of its work, which is fitting of this transition. While Division I is often referred to as “the highest level of competition,” it also suggests that NKU is among the best universities academically. In fact, Forbes magazine ranked NKU as one of America’s Best Colleges in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

SUPERIOR FACILITIES

• $70MTheBankofKentuckyCenter(9,400 seats) opened in 2008

• $6.5MNKUsoccercomplex opened in 2010

• $54MGriffinHall (one of only six high-tech informatics colleges in the nation) opened in 2011

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITYThe move to NCAA Division I is about more than just athletics; it is a university- and community-wide initiative.

• $37MDorothyWestermanHerrmannNaturalScienceCenter

• $35MJamesC.andRachelM.VotrubaStudentUnion

UNIVERSITY COMMITMENT The transition to Division I is a university endeavor and a campus-wide commitment. With “buy-in” from university officials, additional resources will be made available for the next three years as the athletics department continues its transition.

RECRUITING The recruitment of students to Northern Kentucky University is already primarily done in competition with other nearby Division I institutions, not to mention our student enrollment of nearly 16,000 is approximately

D I V I S I O N I

4 NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN

12,000 students larger than the average Division II school and 5,000 larger than the average Division I institution.

ANCILLARY BENEFITS A competitive program often means enhanced prestige and awareness of academic programs; increased local, state and national exposure; increased student applications/enrollment; heightened school spirit; and increased enjoyment of the overall college experience.

NKU has carefully prepared for this transition by investing in its facilities and securing partnerships that make moving to Division I feasible. Collectively, this institution has cautiously and deliberately taken the steps necessary to position itself as a Division I university well before being reclassified.Ifanyinstitutionwaseverpreparedforthismove,itisNKU.

Prior to joining the Atlantic Sun Conference, NKU was one of only two Division II public universities (the other, Kentucky State University) in the commonwealth. In a sense, the new classification is “evening the playing field” between NKU and Kentucky’s six Division I universities. Even at the Division II level, NKU regularly competed with — and beat — other Division I institutions in academic and extracurricular competitions. Athletically, NKU also was competitive with Division I schools. For example, the men’s basketball team defeated West Virginia University in an exhibition game in 2011.

Additionally, in its first year of transition NKU has competed at a very high level with volleyball finishing third in the conference with a 25-7 record.

NKUisnolongeranemerginginstitution–it’saleader. From applied research and technology to athletics and outreach, NKU attracts local, state and national attention for its many accomplishments and innovations. Membership in the Atlantic Sun Conference will surround NKU with other peer institutions that share its goals and aspirations as well as challenge the university to reach the next level of excellence.

You have watched NKU grow into a thriving institution. Now you have the power to further its development. By supporting GO GOLD, NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN, you will propel NKU to even greater victories and ensure the university and the northern Kentucky community get the recognition they deserve.


THE GOLDEN YEARSthe background

In fewer than 50 years, Northern Kentucky University has made a significant impact on the region, state and nation. Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, NKU still offers small classes, hands-on learning and close student-professor relationships that help students not only better grasp the material while in class, but also use their professors’ contacts to launch their careers.

Since it was founded in 1968, NKU has allowed students to pursue their dreams – academic and athletic – thanks to the generosity of a strong group of individuals who believed in NKU’s mission. These supporters helped NKU grow its curricular offerings to 70 undergraduate programs, 49 master’s programs, two doctoral programs and one Juris Doctor. NKU offers the only undergraduate entrepreneurship major in the state; boasts the largest undergraduate visual arts program; and educates the educators – 80 percent of teachers in northern Kentucky have a degree from , have a certificate from, or have participated in professional development activities at NKU.

One of the fastest-growing universities in Kentucky, NKU educates nearly 16,000 students, houses around 2,000 students and has become more selective in its admissions. With continued community support, NKU has grown from one building to nearly 40.

OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS!• Three Division II national championships in the past

12 years (2010 men’s soccer, 2000 and 2008 women’s basketball)

• 22 regional titles

• 68 Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season or tournament titles since 1985

• Seven GLVC All-Sport trophies

• Eight GLVC Commissioner Cups (in last 10 years)

Northern Kentucky University is in a conference where it can continue to grow, develop and improve in all aspects. Transitioning to Division I provides NKU students with new opportunities for competition – academically and athletically – and provides NKU with a national platform to celebrate its strengths and accomplishments.

H I S T O R Y


IT’S TIME TO GO GOLD.GO GOLD.


STRIKING GOLDstrategic priorities

BY INCREASING SCHOLARSHIP FUNDINGNKU provides more student-athletes the opportunity to further their education.

A $6 million campaign

GO GOLD: SCHOLARSHIPS: $3 MILLIONTo recruit top talent, Northern Kentucky University needs to be able to award attractive scholarship packages to its student-athletes, especially as it transitions to Division I play. NKU has committed to increase its scholarship funding over a three year period, offering 91 scholarships last year, an increase of 17 scholarships from the previous year. NKU will award 111 scholarships in 2012-13 and 123 in 2013-14.

While many student-athletes will receive some form of financial aid, partial scholarships do not offer the complete relief many student-athletes need. They still struggle to bridge the gap between what they can afford and what the school can offer. By building an improved private scholarship pool, NKU athletics can help close the gap. By directly supporting the GO GOLD SCHOLARSHIP FUND, you are helping to focus our student-athletes’ attention on what matters – their education and athletic competitions. Additionally this fund will help provide financial assistance for summer school and for fifth-year student-athletes, which will directly impact NKU’s academic progress rate.

P R I O R I T I E S


PROPOSED SCHOLARSHIP INCREASES

FY 2011 ................... 73.16

FY 2012 ...........................90.74

FY 2013 ........................................110.74

FY 2014 ............................................... 122.74

NCAA MAXIMUMS .............................................................. 137.7

BY IMPROVING ATHLETICS FACILITIESNKU will meet its needs as well as provide high schools and youth leagues a place to host tournaments and games.

BY STRENGTHENING ACADEMIC SUPPORTNKU can meet and exceed NCAA standards as well as continue our reputation for academic excellence.

In keeping with the vision of Northern Kentucky University, Norse Athletics wants to be known as a place where dreamers are welcome, where ideas come to life and where every student is provided the opportunity to succeed. NKU understands the importance and impact of programs and services that support and strengthen the collective talents of local businesses and the community.

FACILITIES: $1.5 MILLIONOver the past 10 years, NKU has steadily invested in its infrastructure. To support the increased enrollment, NKU constructed cutting-edge facilities, such as Griffin Hall and the Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Natural Science Center, providing students with outstanding learning environments equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the Student Union was constructed with enrollment growth in mind.

Similarly, NKU has invested in its athletics facilities. Thanks to the $70 million The Bank of Kentucky Center and the $6.5 million NKU soccer complex, student-athletes train in arenas and stadiums fit for champions.

However, to succeed at the Division I level, NKU needs to continue investing in its facilities, namely in the renovation of the Bill Aker Baseball Complex. By upgrading, renovating and constructing new athletic facilities, NKU provides an exceptional competition space for its student-athletes and for community use, which helps increase recruitment and university branding – two of the goals of NKU’s move to Division I.

The renovations to the Bill Aker Baseball Complex include:• Full synthetic field turf surface – $500,000• Seating area, concessions, restrooms – $500,000• Additional renovations – $500,000


ACADEMIC SUPPORT: $1 MILLIONThough they win championships and boost school spirit, NKU’s athletes are students first. The NCAA recently published a report that shows college athletes are graduating at higher rates than their nonathletic peers.

• NKU’s student-athlete graduation rate is 63 percent, higher than the general student body.

• The cumulative GPA for NKU student-athletes for the 2012 fall semester was 3.11.

As a whole, the Atlantic Sun set a new record with 63.79 percent of all student-athletes earning All-Academic status after receiving at least a 3.0 GPA last year. By joining an academically competitive conference, NKU will have to invest even more in its academic support.

Also, to continue to improve graduation rates and meet APR standards, which is essential for Division I competition, there is a critical need for academic support. Your support will help to provide our student-athletes a premier education.

NKU student-athletes already have access to the Thomas J. Kearns Student-Athlete Advising Center, which offers an academic lab, weekly writing and math tutorials, and a quiet study area.

With your help:• Teams traveling to competitions will be provided portable

electronic devices and Internet connections to help them stay abreast of their schoolwork.

• The hiring of more full-time and part-time academic advisors will provide NKU student-athletes more one-on-one assistance and guidance.

• The Thomas J. Kearns Student-Athlete Advising Center will be stocked with more computers to better serve more student-athletes and be available for more hours throughout the day.

Having portable electronic devices and increased academic counseling will be especially important as NKU continues its transition to Division I, because students are on the road for a greater number of days and hours as they travel to compete within the Atlantic Sun Conference.

P R I O R I T I E S


NKU will not sacrifice its strong academic standing. Norse student-athletes pride themselves on distinction in the classroom.

In the last decade, NKU has produced:• 621 GLVC All-Academic Team members (3.4 GPA or better)

• 348 President’s Honors List awardees (perfect 4.0 GPA)

• 676 Dean’s List honorees

• 13 NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipients

• 2 NCAA Top VIII Awards (top Division II scholar-athlete)

By contributing to NKU’s GO GOLD ACADEMIC FUND, you are truly supporting the move of NKU to Division I and providing NKU student-athletes the best possible educational opportunities.• Advising/support positions = $750,000• Computer/technology expenses = $250,000

GO GOLD EXCELLENCE FUND: $500,000

The GO GOLD EXCELLENCE FUND helps NKU

Athletics support and grow its programs. From

recruiting and travel expenses to equipment

purchases and other needs, the GO GOLD

EXCELLENCE FUND provides the funding to

support the necessities of a Division I program.

NKU already has successful athletic programs,

evidenced by its many conference awards and

titles. However, as it transitions to the Atlantic

Sun Conference, it must strengthen every aspect

of its programs. By contributing to the GO GOLD

EXCELLENCE FUND, you give NKU Athletics

the flexibility to address needs as they arise

and to plan strategically how best to advance

NKU Athletics to help the Norse succeed in the

Atlantic Sun.



OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to supporting the various capital projects outlined in NKU’s master plan, NKU has a variety of naming opportunities available, including, but not limited to, the following:

THE BANK OF KENTUCKY CENTER

CONFERENCE ROOM COMPLEX: $400,000

HOSPITALITY AREA: $300,000

WEIGHT ROOM: $200,000

ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION SUITE: $100,000

VICTOR’S VERANDA: $100,000

PARTY SUITE (TWO AVAILABLE): $50,000

PARTY DECK (TWO AVAILABLE): $50,000

MEN’S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM: $50,000

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM: $50,000

FILM VIEWING ROOM: $25,000

STUDENT-ATHLETE LOCKERS (16 MEN’S AND 13 WOMEN’S AVAILABLE): $2,500 EACH

BILL AKER BASEBALL COMPLEX

BASEBALL FIELD: $250,000

BASEBALL LOCKER ROOM: $25,000

BASEBALL LOCKERS (39 AVAILABLE): $1,000 EACH

SOCCER COMPLEX

SOCCER STADIUM: $500,000

SOCCER FIELD: $100,000

FOUNDERS ROOM (CONFERENCE): $25,000

MEN’S SOCCER LOCKER ROOM: $25,000

WOMEN’S SOCCER LOCKER ROOM: $25,000

SOCCER OFFICE SUITE: $25,000

FRANK IGNATIUS GREIN SOFTBALL FIELD

SOFTBALL LOCKER ROOM: $25,000

SOFTBALL LOCKERS (40 AVAILABLE): $1,000 EACH

WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD naming opportunities


For additional naming opportunities or inquiries, please call (859) 572-6632.


Northern Kentucky University has found a home in the Atlantic Sun Conference. For many years, NKU has competed academically with Division I schools in the state and region, winning awards and establishing a strong reputation for innovation and critical thinking. Now, NKU is ready.

NKU began playing a full conference schedule this past fall with more recognizable opponents, which will build stronger rivalries at home and away. As with the university’s announcement to go Division I, playing in new territories will generate more national exposure for NKU. Having a well-known university strengthens our brand, making it more attractive to prospective students and student-athletes. It also increases school spirit among students and alumni.

Division I better fits NKU’s size, aspirations and abilities. It allows NKU room to grow. Already a significant influence on the local economy, moving to Division I will

bring more skilled workers to the area, will attract more national attention and tourism to northern Kentucky, and could help NKU secure more partnerships with corporations and granting agencies that, in turn, would provide our student-athletes even more opportunities.

The possibilities are endless.

NKU Athletics and the campus community are asking for your support.Joining the Atlantic Sun Conference was just the first step. To excel in Division I competition, the infrastructure must be in place to ensure NKU continues to grow and achieve at this new level.

The ball is in your court. Join GO GOLD, NKU’S DIVISION I CAMPAIGN, by contributing today.

You can follow our progress at www.NKUGoGold.com.

GO GOLD the pitch

C O N T R I B U T E

University DevelopmentLucas Administrative Center, Suite 221100 Nunn DriveHighland Heights, KY 41099

www.NKUGoGold.com

DR.SCOTTEATON KURTMOELLER TJFEUERBACH ALICIALAWRENCE Director of Athletics Sr. Associate AD Director of Development Coordinator of Development (859) 572-6539 (859) 572-6632 (859) 572-5791 (859) 572-7894 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

This publication was prepared by Northern Kentucky University and printed with state funds (KRS 57.375). Northern Kentucky University is committed to building a diverse faculty and staff for employment and promotion to ensure the highest quality of work force and to foster an environment that embraces the broad range of human diversity. The university is committed to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and eliminating discrimination. This commitment is consistent with an intellectual community that celebrates individual differences and diversity, as well as a matter of law. Discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, which is defined as age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, is prohibited. The university will provide equal opportunity to all employees in regard to salaries, promotions, benefits and working conditions and will monitor these areas to ensure that any differences which may exist are the result of bona fide policies and procedures and are not the result of illegal discrimination. PS15933M

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