GOOD NEWS: Athletics Scholarship Fundraising Campaign

CUDD Energy Services recently kicked off the University of Texas of the Permian Basin Athletics Scholarship Fundraising Campaign with a donation of $15,000. The athletic program is an important part of the growth and development experienced by The University of Texas of the Permian Basin since its implementation in 1994. Currently there are more than 235 student athletes participating on 13 intercollegiate athletic teams. The athletic program also includes dozens of students in supporting roles as trainers, graduate assistants and office workers. UTPB offers an equivalent of 40 athletic scholarships which are divided amongst our 235 athletes. The average, including the value of out of state tuition waivers, amounts to $2,978 per athlete. It is the goal of the athletic department to raise the funds necessary to award an additional 20 athletic scholarships through external donations. UTPB, as is true with all publicly-supported universities in Texas, cannot use state funds to support athletics. Nation-wide, approximately 30 percent of operating costs of large athletic departments comes through gifts external to the University. As is true with other institutions, UTPB must depend upon external support from businesses alumni, and casual donors in order to thrive. The goal of the campaign is to generate $340,000 per year by Sept. 1 through the provision of a combination of one-time donations and endowed scholarships. To donate, contact Susan Nichols in the UTPB advancement office by email at nichols_s@utpb.edu, call 552-3804 or Steve Aicinena, athletic director by email at aicinena_s@utpb.edu. From left, UTPB President David Watts, student Meliton Morales and Giles Kemp.