Leatherneck Club Membership Reaches Second-Highest Total in 19 Years

A total of 726 members joined during the 2016-17 year

MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois Leatherneck Club reached its second-highest membership total in 19 years as the 2016-17 fiscal year closed on June 30. A total of 726 members joined The Leatherneck Club, contributing over $362,000 to WIU Athletics.

"A robust Leatherneck Club is essential to our operations as an athletics department, and allows us to enhance the experience of student-athletes in diverse and meaningful ways," said Director of Athletics Matt Tanney. "At the outset of each fiscal year, the goal is always to shatter the previous membership record, and while that did not happen this year, total cash receipts nearly mirrored last year's figures. As a result, the annual fund continues to operate at historically high levels through the commitment of the countless alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and community members in support of our student-athletes."

From July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, a total of 726 members made a gift to The Leatherneck Club. The Leatherneck Club saw increases in three of its eight giving levels, while membership in two of the highest levels stayed the same as 2015-2016, with five Champion ($10,000 and above) donors and 10 VIP ($3,000-4,999) donors. Captain ($600-999) donors increased from 61 to 62, and Varsity ($250-599) donors increased from 124 to 127.

"The continued growth of The Leatherneck Club is essential to everything we do in the department," said Assistant Director of Athletics for Development Michael Jones. "Scholarships have been supported, locker rooms have been upgraded, and the overall experience of our student-athletes has improved because of the generous support of Leatherneck Club members."

Athletic Department staff participation in the Leatherneck Club surpassed 85 percent, a number according to Tanney that demonstrated the dedication to providing a great Division I experience to the student-athletes.

"Our coaches and staff frequently interact with our student-athletes, and often see the impact of the Leatherneck Club on a daily basis. The high level of staff participation is just one of many indicators of a department dedicated to students' success," said Tanney.

Founded in 1971, the Leatherneck Club is the primary fundraising program of Western Illinois University Athletics. It provides annual funding for more than 400 deserving student-athletes, allowing them to excel in the classroom and compete at the NCAA Division I level.

Leatherneck Club membership benefits, including parking passes, will be mailed in August. Visit the 2016-2017 benefits chart for more information on the Leatherneck Club giving levels.

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