Athletic Transformation Campaign
Elevating Hornet Athletics
The Campaign for Athletics Transformation.
For Our Athletes. For Our Students. For Delaware.
More Than Athletics - An Investment in Students and Community - $10M Goal
Delaware State University’s Athletics Transformation Campaign is bigger than the game. It’s an investment in competition, classroom and career, elevating Hornet Athletics, empowering student-athletes, and creating lasting impact across our communities. Together, we’re building a stronger future for generations to come.
Three Priorities. One Transformation.
Every dollar raised through this campaign is directed to one of three impactful priorities, each with measurable outcomes and recognition opportunities for philanthropic donors.
Alumni Stadium Upgrades
$5,000,000
- Upgraded seating and fan amenities
- Enhanced lighting for night games and broadcasts
- Accessible restrooms and concession upgrades
- Press box and broadcast infrastructure
Scholarships & Co-Curricular
$2,500,000
- Endowed and annual scholarship funds
- Academic tutoring and mentorship programs
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Leadership development and career readiness
Community & Economic Impact
$2,500,000
- Regional youth sports camps and clinics
- Community event programming at the stadium
- Economic development partnerships
- K-12 outreach and college pipeline programs
- Alumni and civic engagement initiative
The Campaign for Athletics Transformation
History Needs Witnesses
Delaware State’s Athletics Transformation is competition, classroom, and career — rebuilding the front porch of a university built on access for all. We are starting with Alumni Stadium. Our fundraising goal is $10 million, and every dollar has a job. Five million finishes the stadium experience. Two and a half million funds scholarships and co-curricular support for our student-athletes. Two and a half million drives community and economic impact across the region, including investments in DSU Downtown. We deliver, and we’ve proven what Hornets can do together.
Building on our Legacy
In January 1989, with 34 seconds left in Super Bowl XXIII, the winning touchdown was caught by a Hornet.
Six years later, another Hornet earned his championship ring in Super Bowl XXIX.
Two men. Two positions. Two different decades. One university that believed in them. That is the Hornet tradition and the legacy we must continue.
The Hornet impact doesn’t stay on the field or in the locker room. Student-Athletes from DSU are some of the most respected business leaders, entrepreneurs, civil servants, educators, and mentors. Your philanthropic support does more than build championship teams. Together, we will build champions in life – the next generation of leaders who will be prepared to develop and mentor the next generation.
Make your investment in building upon the DSU Legacy.
Challenges We Face
- Aging facilities that limit recruitment and fan experience
- Scholarship gaps affecting student-athlete retention
- Limited resources for co-curricular athlete development
- Competitive disadvantage in MEAC and national recruiting
- Elite prospects lost to programs with better-resourced programs
Opportunities Ahead
- Continued state capital investment through 2029
- Growing regional interest in HBCU athletics and increased brand recognition
- Restore Alumni engagement
- Naming and sponsorship opportunities
- A more diverse pipeline of Hornet talent
Ways to Give
The Delaware State University Athletics Transformation Campaign seeks to raise $10 million in private philanthropic support to compliment capital investments from the State of Delaware. Your individual support is critical as state appropriations generally do not fund scholarships, recruiting travel, nutrition, academic support staff, or equipment. Your gift — at any level — directly fills these gaps. Together, private generosity and public investment will make this vision a reality. Choose the giving method that works best for you below.
Give Online
The fastest and most convenient way to make your gift. Our secure online portal accepts all major credit and debit cards and allows you to designate your gift to any of the three campaign priorities.
Recurring ACH Transfer
Set up automatic monthly or quarterly giving directly from your bank account. ACH transfers are a cost-effective way to sustain your support throughout the campaign with no transaction fees.
Check by Mail
Prefer to give by check? Simply make your check payable to the DSU Foundation and mail it to our office. Please include a note designating your gift to the Athletic Transformation Campaign.
Stock Transfer
By transferring stock directly to the DSU Foundation, you may benefit from various tax advantages while receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value. All gifts of appreciated securities are managed according to IRS rules and regulations.
Planned Gift
Contact the DSU Foundation for more information on how you can support the Athletic Transformation Campaign through a bequest, life insurance policy, or other Planned Giving vehicle.
Questions About Giving?
Our team is ready to help you make the gift that’s right for you. Contact the DSU Foundation Office for personalized assistance, naming opportunities, or major gift conversations.
LaShawne Pryor - lpryor [at] desu.edu
dsufoundation [at] desu.edu | www.desu.edu/givenow