Syracuse University club sports gets $2 million alumni gift
By Alissa Derboben
Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse University has received a $2 million gift from alumni Beth and Steve Ballentine '83 to support their club sports programs. This donation is part of the university’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange campaign, which focuses on improving sports programs and strengthening connections between students and alumni. The gift helps showcase the value of club athletics and fosters a balanced college experience for students.
The Forever Orange program supports sports at Syracuse University by funding student athletes and athletics programs. Contributions through the campaign have gone toward scholarships and much needed facility upgrades. Donations include funding for the university's wellness and athletic facility known as the Barnes Center. Donations have also been made by Diane and Bob Miron ‘59 to enhance Syracuse’s football stadium, helping improve the experience for fans by building a new entertainment lounge and connecting the Barnes Center to the stadium. Similarly to the Ballantines, the Mirons wanted to give back to the community they called home so many years ago.
A portion of the funds will go toward building a new sports facility on South Campus specifically for club sports. This complex will include locker rooms and multipurpose areas for practices and activities with meeting rooms for team gatherings and events. The facility will serve as a hub for the university’s growing club sports community, creating a stronger sense of connection and offering students an improved space to train.
The donation will also provide financial support for club sports, including funding for new equipment and covering travel expenses for games. Maggie Grejda, a current club field hockey captain, shared how important it is for club sports to receive this funding. “Our team has had to forfeit games because our team has no way to travel to different schools,” said Grejda. “I’m really excited to actually be able to play the games we have worked so hard to compete in.” The donation’s goal is to help club sports teams perform at their best while allowing students to maintain a balance between academics and their athletics.
Club sports are a very important part of Syracuse University life. With more than 50 teams, club sports give students the chance to compete without the time commitment needed by varsity athletics. Club sports provide an outlet for students passionate about athletics while being able to prioritize their academics.
This gift also showcases the role alumni play in shaping the university’s future. During Steve Ballentine’s time at Syracuse University, he was a part of the club volleyball team and recalls the sense of belonging playing a sport brought him. By contributing to the Forever Orange campaign, the Ballentine family is leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of Syracuse students.
The Forever Orange campaign is an effort to improve all aspects of life for students at Syracuse University. By focusing on club sports, the campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and leadership. As the university continues its efforts through the Forever Orange campaign, gifts like this will help strengthen the sense of community on campus. The investment in club sports will promote connections between students, encourage personal development and create lifelong memories.
This donation helps Syracuse University to continue improving and growing its programs, ensuring that students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. With this new donation, club sports at Syracuse will not only improve the student experience but also become a model for how non-varsity athletics can contribute to student development.
Source: Maggie Grejda, mcgrejda@syr.edu, interviewed on November 15, 2024
