Less than 100 days into the tenure of new Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker ’11, Butler Athletics continues to enhance its efforts to resource the student-athlete experience at an elite level with the introduction of a new philanthropic giving society called The Butler Way Society.
Donors who make commitments of $75,000 or more, fulfilled within a five-year span (e.g., $15,000 per year), will qualify for this exclusive giving society that seeks to inspire and honor major multi-year gift commitments in support of Butler Athletics. The Bulldog Club, the fundraising arm of Butler Athletics, will continue to serve all Butler Athletics donors.
“The Butler Way Society seeks to honor and recognize those who have demonstrated their significant long-term commitment to Butler Athletics and our exceptional student-athletes through their generous gifts and support,” Leiendecker said. “These most dedicated and generous supporters will play a crucial role in our ability to reach our ambitious goals for Butler Athletics in the years to come. We are energized by the enthusiasm among our donors to join this group that is moving Butler Athletics forward into a new era through their leadership support.”
While The Butler Way Society is philanthropic in nature, members will enjoy unique stewardship opportunities, and their benefits expand accordingly as commitment levels increase. Leadership commitment levels within The Butler Way Society structure include $75,000, $125,000, $250,000, $500,000, and beyond. Stewardship benefits include opportunities such as Wildman Room access during Butler Men’s Basketball games, pre-game presidential receptions, and reserved Hinkle Fieldhouse parking.
The philanthropic giving society derives its name from The Butler Way, which represents the rich history, values, and tradition of excellence for Butler University and Butler Athletics. Bulldog student-athletes proudly embody The Butler Way as they train, compete, and represent Butler on a national stage. Though intercollegiate athletics is evolving rapidly, Leiendecker says the values that have always guided Butler Athletics will remain unchanged. The Butler Way Society therefore honors those donors whose gifts will sustain The Butler Way in a new era of intercollegiate athletics.
“The Butler Way instructs us to accept reality, and right now that requires us to accept that major changes are occurring in intercollegiate athletics that are forcing us to evolve and adapt,” Leiendecker says. “But we are committed to evolving The Butler Way, and that means continuing to be a source of pride for the Butler community. We are grateful for the donors who are providing us with the resources we need to build on the legacy and history of Butler Athletics within this new landscape through their membership in The Butler Way Society.”
The Butler Way Society – Member Testimonials
“Donor investment to Butler Athletics is vital to the success of our student-athletes and coaches, especially in this new era of college athletics. The Butler Way Society allows donors to amplify their impact by making a long-term investment in our athletic programs. It’s an honor for us to join the inaugural class of The Butler Way Society and we encourage other Butler alumni, fans, and friends to join us.”
Denny Lawton ʼ71 and Nancy Lawton
Alumni (1971 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Past Parents ’95
15-year Season Ticket Holders
“I believe that it is important to support not only the academic mission of Butler University, but also the athletic mission for all student-athletes. The attributes learned by student-athletes are an important part of their educational development, which will pay dividends for them, as individuals, others with whom they interact, and Butler University.”
Duane Leatherman
Butler University Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
30-year tenure as Faculty-in-Residence (FIR), Residential College
35-year Season Ticket Holder
“Our Butler journey was transformational in terms of how it has shaped life after school. Real life academic training, high level athletic preparation and competition, and caring leaders built a family-like culture. We believe in the power of philanthropy and hope that our contributions inspire fellow Bulldogs to donate to shaping a first-class, holistic, winning student-athlete experience.”
Chris Miskel ʼ96 and Nicole Miskel ʼ98
Alumnus (1996 Lacy School of Business), Men’s Basketball, and Trustee
Alumna (1998 College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)
“Being a Butler Women’s Basketball alumnus, I realize how hard it is for student-athletes. The pressures on student-athletes have significantly amplified from when I played 30 years ago. The Butler Way Society provides student-athletes with the tools they need to succeed. Please consider joining us. Go Dawgs!”
Mary Shaw ʼ93
Alumna (1993 Lacy School of Business), Women’s Basketball
11-year Season Ticket Holder
“It’s a privilege to financially support and partner with The Butler Way Society. Butler Athletics emulates what it means to live by principles of The Butler Way, something we strive to incorporate in our personal and professional lives. Some of our fondest family memories are spent in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. May our support help keep those important traditions and principles intact for generations ahead.”
Loren ʼ08 & Morgan ʼ07 Synder
Alumnus (2008 Lacy School of Business), Men’s Cross Country and Track
Alumna (2007 College of Communication)
15-year Season Ticket Holders
Donors interested in learning more about how to join The Butler Way Society are encouraged to contact Butler Athletics at bulldogclub@butler.edu or 317-940-9468.