WVU Athletics and Libraries partner for Mountaineer Touchdown Challenge
Posted by Monte Maxwell.August 16th, 2011
WVU Today
The West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is teaming up with the WVU Libraries to launch a fundraising campaign to benefit the Libraries.
The Mountaineer Touchdown Challenge is a new initiative that enables alumni and fans to support the Libraries while cheering for the Gold and Blue.
Challenge participants pledge a certain dollar figure per touchdown the Mountaineers score during the 2011 season and in any subsequent bowl game. Funds raised will go to establish the Mountaineer Athletics Library Fund, which will benefit students.
“We are all anticipating an exciting football season as the Mountaineers transform under head coach Dana Holgorsen’s high-speed offense,” said Athletic Director Oliver Luck. “Making a pledge in the Mountaineer Touchdown Challenge is a great way to show one’s support for all of WVU.”
Earlier this summer, Libraries Dean Frances O’Brien approached Luck with the idea. Luck, who spent long hours in the library when he was a student-athlete, likes the concept of the team’s success benefiting all students on campus.
“Over the past year, we’ve focused on enhancing the experience for fans at our events. The Touchdown Challenge enables all of us – WVU staff, athletes, alumni and fans – to play a part in enhancing the academic experience for our students,” Luck said. “As a former student-athlete, I know how a good library helped me in my academic pursuits.”
Holgorsen, who begins his first season as head coach, believes the Touchdown Challenge will help all groups to remember the student aspect of athletes at WVU.
“We emphasize the importance of academics to all of our players,” Holgorsen said. “For them and all students, it’s essential to have great library resources and knowledgeable librarians to guide them when they’re doing research.”
O’Brien believes the Touchdown Challenge is a great opportunity for athletics to partner with academics. She explained that the Libraries serve all students, faculty and staff at the University.
“Mountaineer fans have great spirit,” O’Brien said. “When they cheer for and support the Mountaineers, they could also support every school, every academic department, and every student at WVU.”
If you’re up for the Touchdown Challenge, a link is located on the Libraries’ website, www.libraries.wvu.edu, or go to www.mountaineerconnection.com/touchdownchallenge.