TicketsCINCINNATI – Nov. 23, 2021 – University of Cincinnati Athletics has launched a $100 million fundraising initiative to prepare for the university's upcoming move to the Big 12. UC announced on Sept. 10 that it accepted the invitation to join the conference, which includes members of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and R1 Universities (very high research activity), no later than July 1, 2024.
The Day One Ready Campaign will raise money to directly boost the Bearcats' abilities to enhance the student-athlete experience and compete for championships in its new conference.
The construction of a new indoor practice and performance facility on campus is a key project of the campaign.
UC is nearly a quarter of the way to the $100 million goal, having already raised $24 million during the "silent phase" of the fundraising campaign.
"As we prepare to call the Big 12 home, our vision of Next Level Success is more important than ever before," said UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham. "The collective investments we make in UC Athletics today positions every student-athlete who wears Cincinnati across their chest to be champions tomorrow. By contributing to this campaign, Bearcats' supporters will ensure we are ready to compete - and win - from our very first day in the Big 12."
Cunningham said support for the Day One Ready Campaign will also provide more avenues for Cincinnati to recruit at higher levels, enhance its national brand and increase worldwide visibility as a premier academic institution.
The Day One Ready Campaign will raise money in the areas of student-athlete wellness, signature facilities and operational resources for championship readiness. In addition to the indoor practice facility, other important fundraising initiatives will include:
"As Bearcats, we are relentless in the pursuit of excellence — and nowhere is that more evident than in our journey to the Big 12," said UC President Neville G. Pinto. "Being competitive from Day One requires a vision that's bold and an effort that mobilizes an entire community around showing the world who we are."
Since it began competition in 1996-97, the Big 12 has claimed 69 NCAA team titles and over 700 individual national championships. The conference has also supported more than 720 Academic All-America® recipients.
The Day One Ready Campaign is part of Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati, the comprehensive fundraising campaign supporting UC and UC Health. Learn more about the Day One Ready Campaign by visiting https://gobearcats.com/DayOne or by calling the UCATS Office at 513-556-4884.
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About Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati
With its focus on innovation and impact, Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati is where ambition meets action. As the comprehensive fundraising campaign for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, the Next, Now Campaign will raise at least $2 billion for scholarships and graduate fellowships, research, the health and well-being of our region, and the signature programs and initiatives unique to UC and UC Health.
About the University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. A public research university with an enrollment of more than 46,000 students, UC offers its students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. More than 327,000 living alumni count themselves as Bearcats.
The Day One Ready Campaign will raise money to directly boost the Bearcats' abilities to enhance the student-athlete experience and compete for championships in its new conference.
The construction of a new indoor practice and performance facility on campus is a key project of the campaign.
UC is nearly a quarter of the way to the $100 million goal, having already raised $24 million during the "silent phase" of the fundraising campaign.
"As we prepare to call the Big 12 home, our vision of Next Level Success is more important than ever before," said UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham. "The collective investments we make in UC Athletics today positions every student-athlete who wears Cincinnati across their chest to be champions tomorrow. By contributing to this campaign, Bearcats' supporters will ensure we are ready to compete - and win - from our very first day in the Big 12."
Cunningham said support for the Day One Ready Campaign will also provide more avenues for Cincinnati to recruit at higher levels, enhance its national brand and increase worldwide visibility as a premier academic institution.
"We didn't wait for this moment, we worked for it. And now that it's here, we're not getting complacent—we're coming for the head seat at the table."
John Cunningham
Director of Athletics
The Day One Ready Campaign will raise money in the areas of student-athlete wellness, signature facilities and operational resources for championship readiness. In addition to the indoor practice facility, other important fundraising initiatives will include:
- An endowment to provide permanent funding for student-athletes to access dedicated mental health and wellness services and support.
- Funding for a full-time sports nutritionist.
- Creation of the Bearcats Career Development Institute, which will prepare every Bearcat for their professional life after UC, and include IMPACT, a comprehensive development program powered by Opendorse Ready that allows our student-athletes to capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
- Construction of a new indoor practice and performance facility on campus.
- Upgrades to the men's and women's basketball team facilities in Fifth Third Arena.
- Increased support for student-athlete scholarships and private air travel for coaches to recruit nationally.
"As Bearcats, we are relentless in the pursuit of excellence — and nowhere is that more evident than in our journey to the Big 12," said UC President Neville G. Pinto. "Being competitive from Day One requires a vision that's bold and an effort that mobilizes an entire community around showing the world who we are."
Since it began competition in 1996-97, the Big 12 has claimed 69 NCAA team titles and over 700 individual national championships. The conference has also supported more than 720 Academic All-America® recipients.
The Day One Ready Campaign is part of Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati, the comprehensive fundraising campaign supporting UC and UC Health. Learn more about the Day One Ready Campaign by visiting https://gobearcats.com/DayOne or by calling the UCATS Office at 513-556-4884.
###
About Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati
With its focus on innovation and impact, Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati is where ambition meets action. As the comprehensive fundraising campaign for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, the Next, Now Campaign will raise at least $2 billion for scholarships and graduate fellowships, research, the health and well-being of our region, and the signature programs and initiatives unique to UC and UC Health.
About the University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. A public research university with an enrollment of more than 46,000 students, UC offers its students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. More than 327,000 living alumni count themselves as Bearcats.