MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Robert Morris University Department of Athletics is thrilled to recognize a generous six-figure gift from alumnus Welling W. Fruehauf, CPA '63, M'05, to continue to support RMU's men's and women's Division I hockey programs.
 
Welling and his company, Fruehauf Manufacturing Group LLC, will support RMU hockey with a $450,000 gift/sponsorship package over the next three years, which is in addition to Fruehauf's recent contribution of $250,000 to rejuvenate RMU's reinstated hockey programs, which took the ice for the first time since 2021 this past season. 
 
"We need to support our student athletic teams," said Fruehauf. "Contributions from Alumni, Trustees and fans that come to the games are important in providing the resources to fund the cost of equipment, uniforms and travel expenses.  RMU Hockey, under the leadership of Derek Schooley, has an excellent reputation for winning and sportsmanship. As a longtime Trustee and Alum, I am proud to provide funds for this program."
 
As part of the sponsorship and gift, Fruehauf Manufacturing Group will receive co-branded sponsorship of a Zamboni at the RMU Island Sports Center inside Clearview Arena, as well as other marketing and promotional assets at the UPMC Events Center and Joe Walton Stadium during RMU events.  
 
"The continued commitment and generosity of Welling Fruehauf is a major reason why the best days of RMU Hockey are ahead of us," Chris King '94, Vice President and Director of Athletics said. "Welling's contribution positions RMU Hockey to continue to elevate our programs to recruit the highest caliber students and student-athletes, and this gift/sponsorship will have a direct impact on every student-athlete in our hockey programs. On behalf of RMU Athletics, we want to express our appreciation to Welling for his devotion to RMU Hockey that sets a precedent for others to follow."
 
This is the first major gift that is part of the challenge to RMU donors to raise $1,000,000 and match the gift given by RMU alum Russ Olsen and the Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund. This initiative aims to double the impact of donations and further support the athletics department and its sport programs.
 
Welling has been a long-time supporter of RMU and the Colonials. He is President/CEO of Fruehauf Manufacturing Group, LLC and an Emeritus Trustee at Robert Morris.  He established the Welling Fruehauf Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to continuing junior student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Fruehauf Manufacturing has been the presenting partner of RMU Hockey's annual golf outing since its inception, as well as supporting numerous other RMU Athletics' special events and our sports programs over the years.
 
To recognize Welling's years of service and generosity to RMU Athletics, especially to RMU hockey, King and Head Men's Hockey Coach, Derek Schooley, are proud to announce the naming of the "Welling Fruehauf Most Valuable Player Award".  The award will be given annually to the men's hockey student-athlete who is selected as the team's MVP for that season, just like Welling has served as RMU hockey's MVP since the program's inception.
 
The "Welling Fruehauf Most Valuable Player Award" is displayed in the RMU men's and women's hockey hallway and the 2023-24 season's winner has been awarded to goalie, Chad Veltri.
 
"We are very appreciative of Welling's friendship and support", said Schooley.  "Our program has been very fortunate to have his dedication and it is only right that the most valuable player award has his name on it.  Welling Fruehauf has been a Colonial Hockey MVP since the program started in 2003."
 
For more information on the matching challenge or to donate, please visit www.rmu.edu/alumni-giving/giving/athletics or contact TJ Brown, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, at 412-397-5960 or brownt@rmu.edu.