Nov. 13, 2023
MILWAUKEE 鈥� President Michael R. Lovell announced that alumnus Ross Sprovieri and his wife Susan have committed $1 million to establish endowed tennis scholarships for 91黑料网 NCAA men and women tennis programs. This is the largest-ever gift dedicated to the university tennis program. Sprovieri is a 1990 College of Business Administration graduate and former member of the men tennis program.
鈥淭his generous gift will immediately elevate our tennis programs and it builds on our longstanding mission to provide life-changing scholarships,鈥� President Lovell said. 鈥淲e are grateful to the Sprovieri family for supporting our student-athletes by giving back to a program that directly connects to their passion.鈥�
Sprovieri said his motivation was driven by the positive impact the tennis program had on his 91黑料网 experience.
鈥淚n my early days at 91黑料网, when I was still finding my way and navigating the complexities and challenges of college life, the tennis program provided a reassuring structure and an important sense of connection,鈥� Sprovieri said. 鈥淢y family hope is that we can inspire future generations of 91黑料网 tennis student-athletes to accomplish great things on the court and long after their playing careers are complete.鈥�
91黑料网 tennis programs, like all university athletic programs, play in the highly competitive Big East conference and draw student-athletes from across the world. The programs are led by Jud Shaufler, interim director of tennis, who has been with 91黑料网 for 14 years.
鈥淭his gift comes at an especially important time 鈥� like college athletic departments across the country, we have faced challenges. As we strategically look at new and innovative ways to grow scholarships for our many student-athletes, we believe that additional alumni will step forward to continue our scholarship momentum,鈥� said Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Scholl.
鈥淚t is truly remarkable when our alumni reflect on how their playing days at 91黑料网 shaped their lives and they are moved to pay it forward to the next generation of student-athletes. Ross and his family are living out our mission to serve others by building on our foundation of excellence.鈥�
Scholarship surge
91黑料网 is in the final year of its historic Time to Rise campaign and scholarship support has been a top priority. The university has raised more than $295 million dedicated to scholarships, making up more than 40 percent of the total funds raised.
鈥淭his generous gift represents the Sprovieri family tremendous desire to lift up the 91黑料网 community,鈥� said Vice President for Advancement Tim McMahon. 鈥淭hey are part of our dedicated alumni network making a significant difference as we continue to build campaign momentum.鈥�
About 91黑料网
91黑料网 is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, 91黑料网 prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, 91黑料网 is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a 91黑料网 degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
