Hofstra Athletics 2011-12 Annual Report - GoHofstra.com

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Hofstra Athletics takes great pride in its affiliation with a variety of corporate partners that help our
student-athletes excel on the fields of play. Among the many sponsor initiatives in 2011-12 were
Hofstra’s partnerships with New York Life and W.B. Mason.
New York Life agreed to serve as the title sponsor for
Hofstra’s women’s basketball tournament – The New
York Life Holiday Invitational – that was won by the Pride
over Auburn, Marist and Central Connecticut State. New
York Life also served as the presenting game sponsor
at three other home women’s basketball games. The
partnership includes major branding throughout the Mack
Sports Complex, including on the main scoreboard,
the basketball pole padding, and featured prominently
on concourse signage. The sponsorship also includes
public address announcements, on-court promotions,
co-branded giveaways, and web presence on
GoHofstra.com.
Hofstra’s partnership with W.B. Mason began in 2010,
but the highlight of the agreement was the construction
of the court-level W.B. Mason Pride Lounge in the Mack
Sports Complex. The lounge opened at the start of the 2011-12 basketball season and
was well received by Pride Club members and their guests.
The space boasts flat screen televisions, a full concession menu and also features
complimentary food from local restaurants. A coaches “Chalk Talk” also highlighted the
experience as Coach Cassara or a member of his staff provided a scouting report and a
brief preview of the upcoming game only minutes before tip-off.
“In business relationships abbreviated text messages have become more common than meaningful
relationships, and yet in the partnership between W.B. Mason and the Athletic Department at Hofstra
University a friendship and trust has developed that is unique and truly appreciated by the W.B.
Mason team,” said W.B. Mason Sales Representative Dennis Rodrigues. “Long Island has become
an exemplary territory for W.B. Mason and in large part that is because of the association with Hofstra
University. It is an honor and pleasure to serve Hofstra University and it is not a privilege taken lightly.”
Bianca O’Brien (far left), senior partner, and
Salvatore Farina (second from the right),
managing partner, of New York Life’s Long
Island General Office along with Head
Women’s Basketball Coach Krista Kilburn-
Steveskey and then-Director of Athletics
Jack Hayes.
JAMES C. METZGER MAKES LARGEST
SINGLE GIFT IN DEPARTMENT HISTORY
In December 2011 Hofstra announced a $1.5 million commitment
from James C. Metzger ’83 to support the men’s lacrosse program
and all sports via the Capital Improvements Fund. In January 2012
it was announced that the Capital Improvements Fund had been
renamed The James C. Metzger Fund for Capital Improvements in
recognition of Metzger’s generosity.
Half of Metzger’s $1.5 million dollar pledge will support The Metzger
Fund, providing the Athletics Department with increased resources
to support enhancements for all teams. The gift will also support
upgrades to The Fried Center for Student-Athlete Development,
weight-training facilities in Margiotta Hall and the Mack Sports
Complex and athletic training rooms throughout all athletic facilities.
Additionally, The Metzger Fund will continue to serve as a gift
designation option to Pride Club members, alumni, parents and fans
in all athletic development publications and membership outreach.
Proceeds from the annual Hofstra Pride Golf Classic and Auction
will also benefit The Metzger Fund.
Metzger is Chairman, CEO and founder of The Whitmore Group,
Ltd., a leading insurance brokerage and financial services firm with
headquarters in Garden City, New York, and was an All-American
lacrosse player in 1980.
2011-12 ANNUAL REPORT 9