Give to URI Athletics

KINGSTON, R.I. - With historic levels of support coming from the Statehouse over the next two years, the Rhode Island Athletic Department is challenging its fanbase to follow suit with the 2023 Day of Giving.

URI's Day of Giving will be held on Thursday, Oct. 5 and is the University's biggest annual fundraiser.

"The impact of Day of Giving over the last three years has been immeasurable for our student-athletes, coaches and staff," URI Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn said. "One of our primary goals in college athletics is providing a strong student-athlete experience for members of all our teams. The funds raised on Day of Giving go directly to the teams."

For example, women's basketball was able to improve team travel significantly through Day of Giving fundraising efforts. Last season, the team won the first Atlantic 10 regular-season title in program history. The team also won its opening round game in the WNIT, marking the first national postseason victory for women's basketball.

Associate Athletic Director for Development Garrett Waller and his staff spearhead the Day of Giving efforts for Rhode Island. Over the last three years, athletics has raised more than $1.8 million through the campaign.

This year, the goal is $1 million.

"With each year, our goal is to build on the tremendous support we receive through Day of Giving," Waller said. "We are working to elevate Rhode Island Athletics across the board, and Day of Giving is our most significant fundraising effort annually."

In June, the University received unprecedented support from the R.I. General Assembly, which committed $65 million to URI for athletic facility upgrades. The funding will come over the next two years and will lead to an overhaul of the URI athletic complex.

"We are on the cusp of a transformative period for URI Athletics, thanks to Gov. Dan McKee and the R.I. General Assembly," Bjorn said. "Now we have a responsibility to do our part. Through campaigns like Day of Giving, we will make URI Athletics a point of pride for the entire state for years to come."