2008-09 GREEN AND GOLD FUND DRIVE STARTS THIS MONTH

         RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas Tech University will begin its annual fund-raising drive for its NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics program this month when the Green and Gold Fund kicks off its 2008-09 campaign.

            Donations to the Green and Gold Fund help Arkansas Tech provide its coaches and student-athletes with the necessary tools to compete in the Gulf South Conference, which is widely regarded as the most competitive league in NCAA Division II.

            “At Arkansas Tech University, we believe strongly in the NCAA Division II philosophy of balancing academics with athletics,” said Dr. Robert C. Brown, Tech president. “Our athletics program is first and foremost an academic endeavor because it teaches life lessons and provides young people, some of whom might not otherwise attend college, with an opportunity to showcase their athletic skills and attain a degree.

            “Additionally, we are proud of the entertainment value that our athletics program provides for the area,” continued Dr. Brown. “The tradition of Tech athletics is an integral part of the fabric of this community, and it is a tradition that we want to nurture and enhance for future generations. Donors to the Green and Gold Fund play an essential role in that process, and on behalf of our student-athletes and coaches, we would like to thank them for their support of Tech athletics.”

            The Green and Gold Fund is open to all Tech supporters, regardless of whether they are alumni, former student-athletes, corporations and businesses or friends of the university.

            Among the benefits available to Green and Gold Fund donors are season tickets to Arkansas Tech home football and basketball games, recognition in the football game program and reserved parking for home football games. Members of the business community can take advantage of several advertising opportunities, including the video board at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field.

            Since 1999, Arkansas Tech has a record of athletics accomplishment that includes 203 all-conference performers, 19 All-Americans, six GSC West Division championships, three overall GSC titles, 12 GSC championship game appearances, 15 appearances in NCAA postseason competition and one NCAA national runner-up finish. Tech has also produced 35 academic all-district selections and four academic All-Americans during the past decade.

            “We are proud of our past achievements,” said Steve Mullins, Tech athletic director and head football coach. “But we are always striving for more. Our coaches and our student-athletes prepare themselves every day to compete at the highest level possible. Green and Gold Fund donors help make that possible with their contributions. The donations that we receive are critical in allowing us to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes, and that first-class experience is a key factor in attracting the best and brightest recruits for our programs.”

            For more information about contributing to the Arkansas Tech Green and Gold Fund, contact Kelly Davis, director of corporate and athletic relations, at (479) 964-0531 or kdavis@atu.edu.

             2008-09 Green and Gold Club Brochure

         -- Tech Athletics --