Robert Morris University Athletics

On May 1, 2024, Robert Morris University announced a transformative seven-figure gift from alumnus Russ Olsen ('82), establishing the Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund.

In conjunction with this gift, RMU Athletics is challenging its donors to match Olsen's generosity by donating to the Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund or the Athletics fund of their choice with a goal of raising an additional $1,000,000 for RMU Athletics. This initiative aims to double the impact of donations and further support the Athletics Department and its sport programs.

The funds raised through The Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund Matching Challenge will play a critical role in allowing our coaches and administration to make real-time decisions that impact our student-athletes and the future of our athletics department. This support is instrumental for our programs to be perennially competitive. Contributions made today will yield dividends for years to come.

Matching Opportunity:
Matching gifts can be directed to any of the following funds:

• Sport Specific Enhancement Funds: RMU sport programs have a restricted fund that is designated to assist in funding the areas of greatest operational need, as determined by the head coach and the Director of Athletics. These funds are vital to elevate the sports program academic success, competitive excellence and the student-athlete experience.
• Capital Projects: Investments in capital projects enable RMU Athletics to fund capital projects and facility enhancements. These funds support current projects while also identifying funding for future projects and planning.
• Scholarship Endowments: Scholarship endowments provide critical long-term sustainable funding for RMU athletics scholarships. Each dollar contributed is invested, and the proceeds are utilized to offset the educational expenses of our student-athletes.
• Colonial Champions Fund (Unrestricted Giving): Gifts to the Colonial Champions Fund allow for unrestricted flexibility, providing resources to areas of greatest need at the direction of the Director of Athletics.

Donations for the matching challenge require a philanthropic major gift financial commitment. Consistent with university policies, major gifts are defined as being at least $25,000 or more in a one-time donation or through a pledged commitment paid over a specified number of years. The major gift is recognized for the duration of an active pledge.

While qualifying commitments to The Olsen Basketball Excellence Fund Matching Challenge are charitable in nature and are above and beyond annual memberships and season ticket requirements, donors at this level will receive special recognition for their generosity.

Recognition will be dependent on the level of giving and may include 1921 Club priority, unique home/away game day access, special stewardship opportunities with coaches and department leadership, and athletic naming opportunities.

For more information on the matching challenge or to donate, contact TJ Brown, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, at 412-397-5960 or brownt@rmu.edu.