Athletics Announces Major Gifts Program and Athletic Development Staff
2/13/2015 12:43:00 AM | Ath. Development
OMAHA, Neb. – Creighton Athletics has announced a new major gifts program to assist in the funding of the athletic department and Bluejay student-athletes.
The move to the BIG EAST Conference has brought an unprecedented amount of national attention to Creighton University and the athletic department. As a member of the BIG EAST Conference, Creighton student-athletes are experiencing opportunities that once seemed impossible. This new level of competition has required Creighton Athletics to commit additional resources due to the rising costs of scholarships, escalating travel expenses, capital projects and staffing requirements.
The new major gifts program includes a number of new initiatives including the BIG EAST Fund, Creighton Athletic Endowment Fund and the Heritage Society—Creighton University's planned giving program. The program also features current athletic capital projects such as the Championship Center, Golf Learning Facility, Ryan Athletic Center Player's Lounge and the Kitty Gaughan Pavilion renovations. An electronic brochure that features in depth information on the major gifts program is included in this article.
“We are excited to grow our development outreach program. With the help and support of major gifts, we can ensure that our student-athletes will receive the resources necessary to be successful in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. This major gifts program will help us grow the next generations of champions by ensuring that Creighton Athletics remains competitive with our BIG EAST peers and stays nationally relevant,” says Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen.
Creighton Athletics also recently added Lauren Steier Miltenberger as Director of Development for Athletics. A Creighton alumna and Omaha native, Miltenberger most recently served as the Finance Director for the Pete Ricketts for Governor Campaign. In that role, she developed and executed a fundraising plan that exceeded over $6.3 million raised. Immediately following the Nov. 4, 2014 election, Miltenberger served on the Governor Ricketts Inaugural Committee, securing funds and sponsorships for Nebraska's 2015 Inaugural Ball. Prior to working with Pete Ricketts for Governor, Miltenberger was an Account Executive at MassMedia Marketing, Advertising & PR in Las Vegas, NV. In her new role, Miltenberger will work with Creighton athletic supporters in securing gifts towards athletic priorities including capital projects, endowments and annual Jaybacker contributions.
“Lauren was very successful in her role as Finance Director for the Pete Ricketts campaign and brings a wealth of fundraising experience to Creighton Athletics. With her experience and national network, she will be an incredible asset for the athletic department by working with our supporters as we continue to grow our athletics giving program,” said Adrian Dowell, Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Director of Development.
For more information on athletic giving opportunities including the Jaybackers and Major Gifts program, please contact the Athletic Development Office at AthleticDevelopment@creighton.edu or 402-280-3498.
