The Columbia Campaign for Athletics: Achieving Excellence

Transforming the Student-Athlete Experience

A Message from Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, Director, Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education

Over the past six years, President Bollinger and the University Trustees, with the support of a special President’s Task Force on Athletics, have invested time, thought, and financial resources in formulating a strategy for transforming athletics at Columbia. Their commitment underlies our efforts to bring athletics in line with Columbia’s hallmark standards of excellence.

To pursue this strategy, we have launched The Columbia Campaign for Athletics: Achieving Excellence. An unprecedented $100 million initiative, it reflects a deep and shared commitment among the University community. We are committed to building world-class facilities that foster championship performances. We are committed to attracting and retaining outstanding coaches and providing them with the resources they need to be successful. And we are committed to providing an environment that will make Columbia the first choice for the best student-athletes.

Investing in Places

The new Campbell Sports Center, a state-of-the-art facility accommodating nine outdoor varsity sports, will be the flagship of Columbia’s athletics renewal. The plans for this signature presence at Baker Athletics Complex send a powerful message — to scholar-athletes, coaches, the campus community, and alumni — about Columbia’s commitment to transforming the student-athlete experience. Following the completion of The Campbell Sports Center, we will be able to modernize Dodge Fitness Center to add space for other varsity programs, physical education, recreation, fitness, and wellness. The resulting facilities will make Columbia even more attractive to the best coaches and student athletes.

Investing in People

Along with Places, we will also be investing in People. A key priority for the Campaign is the endowment of coaching and administrative positions. We intend to win the competition for outstanding coaches and administrators.

Investing in Programs

Along with People and Places, we will also be investing in Programs. Another priority for the Campaign is the resources to support ongoing operations and fund innovative programs that enhance the student-athlete experience. Now is our time. We see the progress in a record five Ivy League Championships during the 2006–2007 academic year, and a school-record 22 individual Ivy League event championships in 2010-11. More alumni, parents, and friends are supporting Columbia Athletics with gifts and attendance at special events and athletic contests. University Trustees and other leading alumni and friends have already provided significant philanthropic support and tangible commitments toward our $100 million objective.

Now Is Our Time

More than 700 student-athletes represent Columbia each year in NCAA Division I and Ivy League competition. Our ability to transform their experience depends upon this Campaign in support of People, Places, and Programs. The time is now. I invite you to be part of creating and sustaining a winning legacy. You can make a difference for Columbia’s student-athletes and the entire Columbia community.

Find opportunities to give to Columbia Athletics.