LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics hosted its annual United in Blue Fund Sunset Social on September 19 on the deck of the university's Bellegarde Boathouse, along the Merrimack River.
 
"This event is one our favorites every year," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Partnerships and Development Eric Allen. "It is always special when we can get together with our donors and celebrate the success of our teams and student-athletes with them.  Without their support we would not be able pursue and achieve championships. They are an extension of our team, and we are so grateful."
 
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.
 
The Sunset Social speaking program featured UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts and Head Men's Soccer Coach Kyle Zenoni, in addition to Allen and Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Gary Gardner. The program was highlighted by a speech from Nhyira Nkansah, a sophomore thrower on the women'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.
 
"During my senior year, I was involved in a bad accident and the university really took care of me and got me back on my feet, so ever since then, I've felt indebted to UMass Lowell as a place that I really want to be part of," explained Bob Findlen '81. "I truly believe this school played a key role in my success over life, both professionally and personally, so I really try to give back to both athletics and academics after what this place did for me."
 
"So much in college shapes you and I really got a lot out of my time at Lowell, so I like to stay involved and give back however I can," added former women's track & field student-athlete Laura Callahan '99. "The growth in the university as a whole and in athletics specifically has been so impressive." 
 
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.
 
An invitation to this annual event is offered to members of UMass Lowell's Director's Club. If you are interested in contributing to the success of our student-athletes and learning more about the United in Blue Fund, please visit goriverhawks.com/unitedinblue.