University of Delaware Office of Public Relations The Messenger Vol. 5, No. 1/1995 Recognition: A Special Report University Establishes Athletic Fund To Support Scholarships And Program Enrichment Field hockey player Kim Lockbaum, Delaware '96, was "one of the top goal keepers in the country" during the 1994-95 season, according to her coach, Carol Miller. Lockbaum is a good student who hopes to earn a graduate degree and teach at a university someday. But, financial need almost forced Lockbaum to drop out before her senior year. Fortunately, Coach Miller was able to keep Lockbaum in school by offering her an athletic scholarship."There are seven kids in my family," explains Lockbaum, of Glassboro, N.J. "In my house, we always knew that if we didn't get an athletic or academic scholarship, we wouldn't go to college. An athletic scholarship meant an education for me." To help outstanding student athletes like Lockbaum, the University depends upon the generosity of alumni and friends, notes Edgar N. Johnson, director of the Intercollegiate Athletics Program. Scholarship funds make it possible to recruit "the best and the brightest student athletes" while promoting gender equity, Johnson says. A newly established University of Delaware Athletic Fund (UDAF) supports much-needed student scholarships as well as program enrichment and equipment, according to Johnson. For example, he says, gifts to the UDAF give some teams a chance to squeeze in a few extra weeks of practice or competition every year. "A number of our teams now have traditional and non- traditional seasons," Johnson explains. "Soccer competes in the fall, for instance, but they also play several games in the spring. The nature of intercollegiate athletics has changed. Sports are no longer strictly seasonal. We have to respond to the year-round needs of our teams." The UDAF is a volunteer-driven organization, directed by a 30-member Board of Directors-including 22 who are elected by fund members. This year, long-time University advocate R.R.M. (Ruly) Carpenter III was elected to serve as board president. To bolster enthusiasm for University athletics, Carpenter says, UDAF members are setting up regional Fightin' Blue Hens Clubs. Members receive a range of benefits. Those who make a $50 donation, for example, receive a decal, club pin and newsletter. Donors who contribute $100 also receive priority for ticket purchases. Membership in the Bob Carpenter Club is extended to those who pledge gifts of $1,000 or more. A $10,000 gift would be rewarded with a lifetime membership, an invitation to a recognition dinner, access to special social functions and various other benefits. For more details about the University of Delaware Athletic Fund, call Kathleen Houghton, director of development for athletics, at (302) 831-2104.