SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Syracuse University Athletics announced the launch of Champion ‘CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics, a $50 million fundraising effort aimed at strengthening the university’s 20 Division I programs. According to the statement released by Syracuse Athletics, the campaign is designed to “level up” success both on and off the field by enhancing resources, facilities and training for student-athletes.
As detailed in the statement, Champion ‘CUSE comes at a time of significant change in college athletics, including name, image, and likeness opportunities, a more fluid transfer portal, and the anticipated House v. NCAA settlement, which, if approved, will allow Division I institutions to share up to $20.5 million in revenue with student-athletes starting in 2025. Syracuse Athletics has indicated that it plans to allocate the full amount to support its athletes.
“In this new era of college athletics, it is abundantly clear that winning programs will be the ones that galvanize the support of their campuses, fan bases and communities,” said John Wildhack ’80, Syracuse’s athletics director, in the statement. “We are fortunate that the Syracuse University community, our Central New York community and Orange fans around the world have demonstrated their passionate commitment to our exceptional student-athletes and coaches.”
According to the statement, Champion ‘CUSE will focus on four key priorities over the next three years:
- Win Championships
- Cultivate Champion-Caliber Teams
- Level Up the Student-Athlete Experience
- Strengthen the Orange Brand
The statement emphasized that donations to various athletic funds—including the Athletics Competitive Excellence Fund, Athletics Opportunity Fund, and sport-specific Head Coaches’ Funds—will count toward the $50 million goal. Contributions are tax-deductible and impact the donor’s Athletics Fund rank.
The statement, which officially announced the initiative on Thursday, emphasized that there are “multiple avenues” to “champion Syracuse Athletics,” with more details available at cuse.com/championcuse.