MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Athletics Department recently wrapped up another record-setting fiscal year. In addition to setting a new record with $1.36 million in total gifts and pledges, the 830 total number of donors is the second-highest, behind the record of 926 set a year ago.
 
This marks the fourth straight year that total gifts and pledges have increased and three times in four years that the total number of donors has risen.
 
The past two years have shattered former numbers. The previous record number of donors was 687 set in fiscal year 2015, while the old record for gifts and pledges was $770,675 which was also set in 2015. The department also saw its first $1 million gift from a single donor, with Fred Sitzberger making the commitment in October of 2016.
 
"I continue to be so extremely appreciative of our generous fans and alumni who support the world-class student-athletes we have here at Milwaukee year-in and year-out," UWM Director of Athletics Amanda Braun. "We continue to set records, which shows the growing loyalty and passion of our supporters. It is a testament to the work of our staff, coaches and student-athletes."
 
In addition to the record-breaking year for the Panther Fund, Milwaukee student-athletes continue to score high marks in the classroom and during the Spring 2017 semester posted a collective 3.237 grade-point average. During the Fall 2016 term, Panther student-athletes notched a 3.251 GPA. This marks the 34th consecutive semester that Milwaukee student-athletes have recorded a GPA of 3.0 or better. During the Spring 2017 semester, 58 Panthers compiled a GPA of at least 3.8, while 16 of those achieved a perfect 4.0 mark.
 
On top of that, the total community outreach and service done by Milwaukee student-athletes, coaches and staff approached 4,000 hours once again during the 2016-17 school year.
 
To donate to the Panther Fund, please contact Associate Athletics Director Jenny Gryniewicz at gryniew2@uwm.edu or (414) 229-7153.