LOWELL, Mass. – Coming off another successful fundraising year, UMass Lowell Athletics hosted its annual United In Blue Fund Sunset Social on September 14 on the deck of the university's Bellegarde Boathouse, along the Merrimack River.
 
"Our donors continue to step up each year with their support for our student-athletes and athletic programs," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Partnerships and Development Eric Allen. "They are an extension of our department and are like family.  Anytime we can get together with them, our head coaches and staff, it only strengthens the relationships. Our student-athletes understand that when they step onto the playing surface they are not only playing for their teammates, but playing for everyone who continues to support them, and our donors recognize and appreciate that." 
 
The sold-out event welcomed some of the department's most generous donors for a full lobster dinner and live music on the water, in addition to providing the opportunity for these donors to hear from key voices within River Hawk Athletics to better understand what their support provides.
 
"Athletics to me is a very important thing because it's a nice complement to your life, so we're here tonight to support that," explained Greg Chiklis '92. "I really love seeing the kids advance and do well. The school has worked hard to give them wonderful opportunities. It doesn't matter who you are, the department has worked to give everyone a chance to excel. I want to do what I can to give these kids lifetime experiences and memories because that's what college is all about."
 
The Sunset Social speaking program featured UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Director of Athletics Peter Casey and Head Field Hockey Coach Shannon LeBlanc. The program was highlighted by a speech from Adam Katerji, graduate student and sprinter on the men's track and field team.
 
Many of the donors in attendance were UMass Lowell alumni themselves, and several were former student-athletes looking to give back to the next generation.
 
"What an amazing night. Everything is beautiful, we couldn't have asked for anything better," said Kerry Weldon '15, a men's basketball alum. "Events like this make me feel like I want to be involved that much more. There are so many memories for me, looking back it's crazy to think it's been almost 10 years since I graduated. I want to be able to give the current athletes advice because I was in their shoes not too long ago. Getting involved allows me to give back to an institution that has helped me so much."
 
"It's really nice to see and meet so many people that appreciated their experience here and are trying to give back to that for the future generations," echoed Sam Otten '23, a former member of the women's track & field team and a recent graduate of the River Hawk Degree Completion Program. "It's especially great to see such a mix of people from all different time frames of the UMass Lowell community investing into what the university is currently doing."
 
The Sunset Social is one of two annual stewardship events hosted by the United In Blue Fund. The United In Blue Fund is a key component to the success of UMass Lowell's Division I Athletics. It provides a way for alumni, donors, families and friends to partner with coaches and student-athletes to provide the necessary resources to succeed through scholarships, facility upgrades and academic and athletic support. By contributing to the United In Blue Fund, donors invest in over 450 student-athletes and 16 Division I sports.
 
"Being on the other side of the transition from student-athlete to alumni and being able to come to an event like this to mingle with the people who helped us out so much when we were in college is really special," said former field hockey team member Jenna Freitas '16. "UMass Lowell did so much for me when I was here, so now being an alum, I want the school to continue to grow, so I want to keep coming back to events, making donations and being an active member of the community, just to show people how great the school is and that it's not just the four years that you are here, but truly a lifelong family."
 
An invitation to this annual event is offered to members of UMass Lowell's newly established Director's Club. For more information about membership in the United in Blue Fund, please visit goriverhawks.com/unitedinblue.