The Peacock Athletics Department is happy to announce a shift in fundraising priorities for the upcoming Upper Iowa University Giving Days on March 25-26. Over the last several years, we have prioritized fundraising for strength and conditioning including renovations to the space, new equipment, flooring, and the refueling station during the University Giving Days.
 
Thanks to a large gift from Roger and Alice Mangan, as well as several other key donations, we feel that the strength and conditioning area is in a great place and ready to take our near-400 Peacock student-athletes to the next level.
 
As a department, we are prioritizing our Peacock Athletic Fund this year and will earmark donations made during the University Giving Days to the areas of Athletic Training and Student-Athlete Development, which will once again provide benefits to all of our current and future Peacock student-athletes.
 
Our Athletic Training area is led by three of the best certified Athletic Trainers in the business; Matt Rueckert, Rachel Caspers, and Ryan Fonkert. The goal is to provide them with tools and resources to not only rehabilitate injuries, shorten the time it takes for our student-athletes to return to competition, and to improve our injury prevention resources as well. Three big items on their wish list include; a true stretch cage, a laser therapy package, and a plunge or rehab pool.
 
The area of Student-Athlete Development is under the leadership of Emily Jorgensen, our Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Athletics Director. In addition to offering academic support to all student-athletes, she leads the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), oversees the student-athlete development series, and spearheads fundraising initiatives for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Funds raised during UIU's Giving Days will provide benefits to the overall health of Student-Athlete Development, including elevating the recognition for our Athletics Director Honor Roll and President's Team, offering more to our committed Faculty-Athletics Fellows, and improving the promotion of SAAC's yearly initiatives.
 
This year's University Giving Days will mark the 9th straight fundraising event and will be held on March 25-26. Over the years, this incredible tradition has raised more than $875,000, directly benefiting our students and addressing emerging needs across the University.  
 
This year, let's make history—together! With your support, we can surpass the $1 million milestone and make an even greater impact.  The Peacock Athletic Fund is one of six key priorities for this year's Giving Days. Your gift will help drive the aforementioned transformational enhancements that benefit all student-athletes. This fundraising event has the potential to further elevate their experience and provide the resources they need to excel.
 
Also new this year, you can also choose any University designation that means the most to you! This means all of our sports programs are available to receive a gift during the University Giving Days.
 
Adding to the excitement, Giving Days coincide with National Peacock Day on March 25 - a perfect time to show your Peacock pride!  
 
Why wait? Early gifts are encouraged and all donors will be recognized during the event at uiu.edu/GivingDays.
 
Be the feather that brings it together!