Athletics are a big part of the culture here at Northwestern. Our athletic programs are excellent and that is made possible, not through tuition or sales of some kind, but through donations. One of the main ways that NW receives donation is through the Raider Athletics Association (RAA). According to Jacki Goebel, Athletic Department Administrative Assistant, the RAA is “a group of faithful NWC supporters that contribute at least $200 to general athletics. These donations, in addition to sport-specific gifts, are listed on-line and in printed programs. Membership is comprised of corporate sponsors, alumni, parents, coaches, and other individuals that are just plain passionate about Raider athletics. The donations provide wonderful opportunities to enhance general athletics and specific athletic programs.”
On a personal note, Goebel expressed her enjoyment of working with RAA donors. She said, “I enjoy communicating with (and sometimes meeting) long-time and new members and admire them for sharing of their treasure for the growth of Northwestern’s student-athletes”.
Money donated by RAA members goes toward a lot of important events and programs in NW’s athletic sphere. Anything a person sees at an athletic event was almost certainly made possible by the generous donors in the RAA. Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops explained the RAA and gave some clear examples what it allows our athletic department to do. He said, “the Raider Athletics Association is a significantly influential group of generous supporters who provide financial contributions to enhance the experience for Red Raider Athletes. The contributions are used to help fund items such as travel expenses, new equipment, the N-Dubs and Hall of Fame banquet, technology equipment, uniforms and apparel, postseason expenses, and some athletic personnel positions”.
The relationship donors have with the college is not purely one sided, however. RAA members receive benefits when they make a donation. Benefits include bookstore credit and game passes for all members, regardless of donation amount. Donors who give more receive more perks though with DeWitt Physical Fitness Center passes and seating priority at commencement being available to some. For the most generous donors NW will even provide a hospitality suite for a football game!
Donors are what makes most of what NW does possible and athletics might be the greatest example. The generosity and importance of RAA members should never go unnoticed.
