2024 Bronco Athletic Fund Membership Guide

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND

KEY DATES
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 17
GIVING DAY
FRIDAY
MAY 10
SEASON TICKET
RENEWAL DEADLINE
MONDAY
MAY 13
BAF AMBASSADOR
CAMPAIGN BEGINS
SATURDAY
JUNE 15
MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE, PRIORITY
POINTS LOCK
MONDAY
JULY 15
PRIORITY PARKING/BENEFIT
ALLOCATION BEGINS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 WHAT IS THE BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND
6 2022-23 ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC
EXCELLENCE
8 BUILDING BRONCOS
10 AREAS OF IMPACT
12 BRONCOS EMPOWERED
14 MEMBERSHIP CHART
16 PRIORITY POINTS
PRIORITY SEATING
18 WALDO STADIUM SEATING
FOOTBALL PARKING
20 LAWSON ICE ARENA SEATING
HOCKEY PARKING
22 UNIVERSITY ARENA SEATING
25 FAQ
BASKETBALL PARKING
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 12
HOMECOMING
VS. AKRON
MEGHA VALLABHANENI
WOMEN’S GOLF | NORTHVILLE, MI
LOGAN CASE
VOLLEYBALL | MAINEVILLE, OH

FROM THE DESK OF DAN BARTHOLOMAE
WHAT IS THE BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND?
The Bronco Athletic Fund provides resources for student-athletes
to receive a lasting educational and athletic experience while
contributing to the financial sustainability of the Athletic Department.
This promotes support among students, faculty, alumni and friends at
the local, state and national levels.
HOW DOES MY GIFT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
With the focused attention of the Bronco Athletic Fund, your gifts specifically
support the areas of greatest impact, and we’ll work with you to stay engaged in
the impact you’ve made for our student-athletes and program.
IS THE BAF PART OF ATHLETICS ADVANCEMENT?
Yes! The Bronco Athletic Fund is a department within Athletics Advancement
and the WMU Foundation. Your contributions in support of our student-athletes
are processed through the WMU Foundation.
HOW DO I BECOME A BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBER?
Membership starts at just $50 per year. You can designate your gift to any area
of support within Athletics assuming all priority seating contributions have been
made. Your gift, your choice!
ARE MY GIFTS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Philanthropic gifts above and beyond priority seating requirements are
considered to be tax deductible. Gifts used to receive priority seating are not
deductible per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Consult a tax advisor to determine the
deductibility of your gift(s).
DEAR BRONCOS,
It’s an inspiring time to be part of Western Michigan
Athletics and a great day to be a Bronco! With nine
championships in 2023, WMU Athletics experienced one
of the winningest periods in our history.
Our outstanding student-athletes continue to thrive on
the fields and courts, as well as in the classroom and
community. Their achievements are not only emblematic
of Bronco integrity, determination and teamwork, but
also a testament to our outstanding coaches and staff,
devoted fans, and loyal supporters like you.
Renewing your Bronco Athletic Fund membership powers
the growth and success of our student-athletes across
all 16 varsity sports. Membership also enables us to offer
state-of-the-art facilities and training environments that
allow WMU to stay competitive with Division-1 institutions
and secure more victories.
Your investment impacts student-athletes through
scholarships, nutrition, equipment, travel, holistic
development programming and more. As the landscape
of college athletics evolves, our coaches and staff
remain focused on providing Broncos with the resources
they need to win championships, graduate ready to
pursue their passions and lead fulfilling lives after they
leave WMU.
By renewing your BAF membership and through your
generous philanthropic support, you can help ensure that
Broncos Reign for years to come.
We look forward to celebrating an even brighter future
with you.
THANK YOU AND GO BRONCOS!
2
Dan Bartholomae
Vice President, Director of Athletics

2022-23
BRONCOS
BY THE NUMBERS
2
35
ALL CONFERENCE
SELECTIONS
78
GRADUATES
ALL AMERICANS
154
ACADEMIC ALL
CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
10
SIGNED PROFESSIONAL
CONTRACTS
3.38
MEN’S SOCCER (3)
ACADEMIC
ALL AMERICANS
MOLLY FREEMAN
GYMNASTICS | PORTAGE, MI
DREW EVANS
MEN’S TENNIS | WEST CHESTER, OH
HOCKEY (6)
FOOTBALL (1)
COMPOSITE GPA
AUDREY SMITEK
WOMEN’S TENNIS | AVON, OH

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
2022-23 ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S ATHLETIC
PROGRAMS WIN
NINTH
MAC FAR ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
WOMEN’S
PROGRAMS
CAPTURE THEIR
FIRST
The FAR awards are designed
to recognize the conference
institutions with the overall
highest grade-point average (GPA)
and Academic Progress Rate (APR)
WOMEN’S GOLF
Shot a 54-hole program record 883 after finishing
the final round of play at the Falcon Florida
Classic
GYMNASTICS
Took home the program’s second Regular
Season MAC Championship
Payton Murphy was named 2023 MAC
Gymnast of the Year
2023 marked the first time in program history
that WMU competed in the second round of
the NCAA Tournament
As a team, the Broncos posted a 3.7558 GPA
ranking seventh in the nation and best in the
MAC
Senior Lamar Norman, Jr. became the 45th
Bronco to eclipse the 1,000 point mark at WMU
MEN’S TENNIS
The Western Michigan men’s tennis team
claimed its 28th Mid-American Conference
Regular Season Championship
VOLLEYBALL
Junior Logan Case selected first team
academic All-American and became eighth
Bronco to surpass 3,000 career assists
Senior Maggie King became 25th member of
WMU 1,000-kill club
HOCKEY
Made second straight NCAA Tournament
appearance finishing the season ranked No.
11 in the national polls
Leading the nation in goals scored with 30,
senior Jason Polin was named NCHC Player
of the Year, NCHC Forward of the Year, an All-
American and Hobey Baker Finalist
BASEBALL
Clinched the No. 4 seed in the MAC
Tournament, their 7th appearance in the last
11 seasons
Junior Cade Sullivan ties single season and
program home run record
MEN’S SOCCER
Defeated No.12 Akron 2-1 to secure the
program’s second MAC Championship
Senior Daniel Nimick was honored as MAC
Player of the Year
Advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 for the
second time in program history
TRACK & FIELD
Makayla Perez (Gr.) became the first MAC
Champion in since 2019 in the 5K and garnered
1st Team All-MAC honors
Grace Johnson (Jr.) was able to claim Second
Team All-MAC honors and set a program record
in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.48 in the
finals
6

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
BUILDING
BRONCOS
WHAT IT TAKES
TUITION & FEES
IN STATE
$16,356
HOUSING & DINING
$11,982
TRAVEL
$6,149
SPORTS MEDICINE
$3,214
OUT OF STATE
$19,690
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
$1,210
EQUIPMENT
$3,723
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
$1,312
LINEBACKER (LB) | ZEELAND, MI
BOONE BONNEMA
6 AM
Wake up + breakfast (sausage egg biscuit and fruit)
6:30 AM
Arrive at Waldo, start treatment and weigh in
8 AM
Practice, lift and condition
10:45 AM
Ice bath/Normatec/Shower
NOON
Lunch Valley Dining Center | Cilantros
(bowl of rice, chicken, veggies and guac)
12:45 PM
Head over to Haworth College of Business
for MBA 6005 Accounting and Managerial
Decision Making
3:30 PM
Executive Student Advisory
Committee Meeting
4:30 PM
Head back to stadium to watch film
6:15 PM
Grab dinner from Chipotle using Red card (double
wrap burrito, extra white rice, double chicken, guac,
cheese, sour cream)
TECHNOLOGY
$612
BOOKS & SUPPLIES
$1,201
STUDENT-ATHLETE INSURANCE
$1,063
IN STATE
OUT OF STATE
8 PM
Finish homework, review schedule for the next day
9 PM
Night routine, read (Currently reading “Wild at
Heart” by John Eldridge)
10 PM
Prayer and bedtime
8
JAVAUGHN HANNAH
MEN’S BASKETBALL | MOUNT CLEMENS, MI
ALLI CARLSON
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
AREAS
OF IMPACT
Gifts to the Bronco Athletic Fund support the holistic
development of the men and women in each of our
16 programs. Your contributions impact every aspect
of the athletic experience, so student-athletes can
achieve their maximum potential in the classroom
and in competition.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships ensure our student-athletes can focus on both
their studies and their sport without worrying about the
cost of tuition.
BRONCOS EMPOWERED
A gift to the Broncos EmPOWERed Program gives WMU
Athletics the resources necessary to lead the country in
the holistic development of its student-athletes, while
strengthening community partnerships and empowering
athletic department staff and coaches.
FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS
Maintaining our facilities is crucial to our success so that
Broncos can compete in a top-notch atmosphere and host
other schools with pride. Keeping our training facilities in
state-off-the-art condition allows our student-athletes to
compete for championships.
WAYS TO GIVE
ONLINE
For convenience and ease, your gifts can be made online at
WMUalumni.org/BAF. Bronco Athletics accepts most major credit cards.
CASH / CHECK
Gifts made by cash or check (made out to WMU Foundation) can
be accepted at Heritage Hall or by mail.
Please mail to:
Jared G. Willis
Bronco Athletic Fund
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403
LEGACY GIVING
Planned gifts created in a will or trust,
through a beneficiary designation for
a retirement account or life insurance
policy, as well as giving non-cash
assets like real estate, can have an
enormous and lasting impact. These
gifts not only allow for investments
that elevate athletics programs and
facilities, but also make a gamechanging
difference for our studentathletes.
Jennifer Yelovina
Sr. Director of Gift Planning
(269) 387-8791
jennifer.yelovina@wmich.edu
IN THE STANDS
Your support in the stands
is an important part of our
home-field advantage! Join us
on game days throughout the
year to cheer on our Bronco
student-athletes.
BRAXTON ARPACHINDA
SOCCER | STERLING HEIGHTS, MI
10
AMELIA DEBERNARDI
DANCE | OTTAWA, IL

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
FUNDING PRIORITY
1
EMPOWERING
BRONCOS
EMPOWERED 3,262
The Broncos EmPOWERed program centers on three main areas of focus:
STUDENT-
ATHLETE HOLISTIC
2
EMPOWERING
ALUMS
AND COMMUNITY
3
EMPOWERING COACHES
AND STAFF
PROGRAM IMPACT
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
#10
IN THE NCAA
Broncos Lead Internships
Programming Including:
MAKE A GIFT TODAY!
By making a gift to the Broncos
EmPOWERed program, you can
help ensure that Broncos Reign
for years to come.
Career Fair
Dinning Etiquette
Networking Like Broncos
DEI Lunch & Learns
Black Student-Athlete Conference
Financial Literacy Education
Captains Roundtable
12

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS
2024-25
BRONCO
$
50-499
BROWN & GOLD
$
500-999
TRIUMPH
$
1,000-2,499
DOOLITTLE
$
2,500-4,999
BEAUREGARD
$
5,000-9,999
MIKE GARY SOCIETY
$
10,000+
Invest in the Comprehensive Excellence of nearly 400 Bronco student-athletes
NEW! BAF Membership Card*
Opportunity to purchase post season and away priority game and event tickets
Bronco Athletic Fund decal
Bronco Athletics monthly updates
Invitation to attend the Winter Social
Opportunity to purchase on-campus season parking permit with a Football season
ticket purchase
Eligible to receive on-campus season parking permit with season tickets purchases for
Men’s Hockey and Men’s Basketball
Eligible to receive a Premium Zone 1 on-campus season parking permit with
a Hockey season ticket purchase
Opportunity to purchase a Premium Zone 1 on-campus season parking permit with
a Football season ticket purchase
Invitation to attend the Homecoming Tailgate
Invitation to attend the BAF Kickoff Social
Exclusive Bronco Athletic Fund Gift
Invitation to attend the Doolittle Level Membership Appreciation Event
Invitation to attend Hockey Event
Prestigious Mike Gary Society gift
Invitation to the Athletic Director Social
*Must renew by 6/15/2024
Benefit fulfillment is subject to change. In the event of
cancellation every effort will be made to implement an
alternative benefit.
14

PRIORITY
POINTS
PRIORITY POINTS
Whether you’re a Bronco-level supporter or a member of
the Mike Gary Society, every Bronco Athletic Fund member
has the opportunity to earn Priority Points! Priority Points are
used to allocate tickets to postseason and away games, determine
event access and membership benefits and fulfill seating and
parking upgrade requests. Priority Points will be allocated to
all Bronco Athletic Fund members that maintain an annual
membership gift of at least $50. Missed years will result in loss
of points and lower overall ranking. Priority Points lock for the
coming year on June 15, 2024.
WAYS TO EARN POINTS
• 3 points for each $100 unrestricted gift to Athletics
• 2 points for each $100 restricted gift to Athletics
• 2 points for each $1,000 gift to the University
• 1 point for each $100 gift to Athletics prior to 2021
ONE-TIME BONUS POINTS
• 5 points for being a WMU alumnus/alumna
Bronco Athletic Fund members have the chance to
purchase Priority Seating in Waldo Stadium, Lawson Ice
Arena and University Arena. Priority Seating Allocation
credit for one sport does not cover minimum seating
contributions in a different sport. For example, if you
contribute $500 to Football Priority Seating, you do not
receive credit toward the purchase of Men’s Basketball
or Hockey season tickets that require a Priority Seating
contribution. Contributions tied to Priority Seating will
support the overall well-being of WMU student-athletes as
unrestricted dollars to the Bronco Athletic Fund.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING PRIORITY SEATING
AND PRIORITY POINTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jared G. Willis
Associate Director, Bronco Athletic Fund, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8776
jared.willis@wmich.edu
PRIORITY
SEATING
• 5 points for being a former student-athlete
• 5 points for being a Bronco Athletic Fund
Ambassador
MADISON DONAT
CHEER TEAM | GOSHEN, IN
16
DYLAN WENDT
HOCKEY | GRAND HAVEN, MI

WALDO STADIUM SEATING & PARKING
LOT REQUIREMENTS
SEASON TICKET PRICING
PER SEAT
John Gill Stadium Club
Sections: Club
Chairbacks
Sections: BB, CC, DD, EE, FF
Sideline Premium
Sections: C, D, E
Sideline Select
Sections: A, B, F, G
Endzone
Sections: H-M, V-Z
Sideline General Admission
Sections: T-U
SEASON
TICKET
BRONCO
ATHLETIC FUND
TOTAL
COST
$480 $250 $730
$210 $150 $360
$150 $50 $200
$126 $0 $126
$96 $0 $96
$90 $0 $90
Football Season Parking Passes are a BAF Membership Benefit that is
determined by your membership level and allocated based upon Priority Point
ranking. If you are interested in upgrading your Football season parking pass,
please contact us. Must also purchase at least one season ticket.
*Note: Parking passes also include a $50 fee payable to the WMU Athletics Ticket
Office, which covers the cost of the use of these lots to the University.
PARKING ZONE
LOT(S)
REQUIRED
GIFT LEVEL
Zone 1 10 $1,000*
Zone 2 11 & 12 $750*
Zone 3 3, 17 & 95 $500*
For more information regarding Football Priority Parking, please contact:
Jared G. Willis, Associate Director, Bronco Athletic Fund, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8776 | jared.willis@wmich.edu
18
Contact the WMU Ticket Office at 1-888-4-WMU-TIX for Faculty and
Staff discounted season tickets and ADA seating.

LAWSON ICE ARENA SEATING & PARKING
LOT REQUIREMENTS
Men’s Hockey Season Parking Passes are reserved for Bronco Athletic Fund
Members who contribute at the $500 level or higher and are allocated based
upon Priority Point ranking. Must also purchase one season ticket.
SEASON TICKET PRICING
PER SEAT
Premium Chairbacks
Sections: 24
Premium Reserved
Sections: 12, 14, 16, 18
Reserved Bench
Sections: 8, 10, 20, 22
PNC Savings Zone
Sections: 1-7, 9
SEASON
TICKET
BRONCO
ATHLETIC FUND
TOTAL
COST
$350 $100 $450
$325 $100 $425
$320 $75 $395
$290 $50 $340
PARKING ZONE
LOT(S)
REQUIRED
GIFT LEVEL
Zone 1 70 $1,000
Zone 2 63 $500
To request an upgrade to Lot 70, please contact:
Jared G. Willis, Associate Director, Bronco Athletic Fund, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8776 | jared.willis@wmich.edu
Contact the WMU Ticket Office at 1-888-4-WMU-TIX for Faculty and
Staff discounted season tickets and ADA seating.
20

UNIVERSITY ARENA SEATING & PARKING
LOT REQUIREMENTS
SEASON TICKET PRICING
PER SEAT
Chairbacks
Sections: A-D, AA-DD
Lower Reserved
Sections: 111, 112, 113
Upper Reserved
Sections: 200-203, 211-222
SEASON
TICKET
BRONCO
ATHLETIC FUND
TOTAL
COST
$240 $150 $390
$210 $0 $210
$180 $0 $180
Men’s Basketball Season Parking Passes are reserved for Bronco Athletic Fund
Members who contribute at the $500 level or higher and are allocated based
upon Priority Point ranking. Must also purchase one season ticket.
PARKING ZONE
LOT
REQUIRED
GIFT LEVEL
Zone 1 13 $500
Contact the WMU Ticket Office at 1-888-4-WMU-TIX for Faculty and
Staff discounted season tickets and ADA seating.
22

2024 BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR TODAY
For nearly 70 years, passionate Broncos have come together to support and help fuel the
competitive spirit of student-athletes at Western Michigan University. Every spring, Bronco
Athletic Fund Ambassadors make more than 2,500 calls and send hundreds of emails to
alumni and fans to raise critical funding for WMU’s 16 outstanding athletic programs. As a BAF
Ambassador, you can make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and play an important
role in shaping the next chapter of WMU Athletics.
Plus, you’ll score:
» Complimentary season tickets to cheer on the Broncos
» Invitations to exclusive BAF events
» Monthly email updates on the victories and success you helped make possible
» VIP access to WMU Athletics, including opportunities to engage with coaches
and student-athletes
PREMIUM SEATING OPPORTUNITIES
Premium seating is a great way to take a leadership role in
support of WMU Athletics, while sitting in one of the best
seats in the house! We offer premium seating opportunities
for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and hockey, each
with exclusive amenities!
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING PREMIUM SEATING
OR THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jared G. Willis
Associate Director, Bronco Athletic Fund, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8776 | jared.willis@wmich.edu
FAQ
WHY IS MY TOTAL 2024-2025 GIFT DUE
BY JUNE 15, 2024?
In order to best serve you and process your
Priority Seating and Priority Parking requests,
and establish your Membership Level before the
commencement of the 2024 fall athletic season,
it is important that we receive all gifts by June
15, 2024.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAKE MY
TOTAL GIFT BY JUNE 15?
Gifts made after the June 15 deadline are still
applicable to the purchase of season tickets in
a Priority Seating Location; however, that may
affect your Priority Point ranking for benefits such
as seating upgrades, requests for tickets to away
contests and postseason tournaments, and your
eligibility to park in designated Bronco Athletic
Fund Priority Parking lots for the upcoming
athletic season.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED
GIFTS TO THE BRONCO ATHLETIC FUND?
Restricted gifts are designated to a specific
program, facility or project (i.e. Sport Specific
Scholarships and Champions Funds). Unrestricted
gifts support the overall well-being of all Bronco
student-athletes.
LUKE THELEN
BASEBALL | CALEDONIA, MI
24 25

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
JIM CULHANE
Sr. Director of Athletics
Advancement, Sr. Associate
AD
(269) 387-3057
james.culhane@wmich.edu
ELYSE PERRY
Director of Athletics
Advancement, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8779
elyse.perry@wmich.edu
JARED G. WILLIS
Associate Director, Bronco
Athletic Fund, Assistant AD
(269) 387-8776
jared.willis@wmich.edu
MAYA MOKRZAN
Director of Signature
Events - Athletics
(269) 387-3433
maya.a.mokrzan@wmich.edu
BRENDAN SKINNER
Advancement Associate,
Bronco Athletic Fund
(269) 387-8753
brendanwilliam.skinner@wmich.edu
Western Michigan University | Athletics Advancement
WMUALUMNI.ORG/ATHLETICS