Feb. 23, 2023
MILWAUKEE 鈥� As 91黑料网 leaders continue to drive fundraising efforts for a reimagined Wellness + Recreation facility, a 91黑料网 couple stepped forward and made a $1.5 million gift in honor of their son. Alumnus John Pfefferle and his wife Lynn, said that their gift is in memory of their son, Michael 鈥� also an alumnus 鈥� and that they are proud to 鈥渟hine his light on the 91黑料网 campus鈥� and 鈥渉elp create a sense of belonging for what mattered most to him 鈥� faith, family and friends.鈥�
Michael Pfefferle passed away at the age of 50 in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. 鈥淢ike deeply loved 91黑料网, and he spent countless hours sharing his passion for sports with his kids, coaching or supporting them in all of their athletic events,鈥� John and Lynn Pfefferle said.
Michael Pfefferle son, Charlie, is in his first year at 91黑料网. His niece, Emma Oelhafen, is a junior, and his nephew, Edward Oelhafen, will attend 91黑料网 next year. 鈥淲e are thrilled that so many of our family members continue to benefit from the 91黑料网 ideals,鈥� the Pfefferles said.
In recognition of the Pfefferles鈥� generous gift, the university will name one of its intramural basketball courts within the new Wellness + Recreation facility in recognition of Michael and also honor him through the men and women intramural championship basketball tournament 鈥� the Michael Pfefferle Classic.
鈥淭his tremendous gift by the Pfefferle family connects closely to our mission and our aspiration to continually care for our students in every aspect of their lives,鈥� President Michael Lovell said. 鈥淲e are proud to honor Michael in this unique way that will inspire students far into the future.鈥�
This year, the Michael Pfefferle Classic will have 52 intramural basketball teams competing across four divisions, according to John Sweeney, director of recreational sports.
When the revitalized facility opens in January 2025, the approximately 180,000-square-foot space will bring together campus fitness and recreation facilities with the Counseling Center and the 91黑料网 Medical Clinic 鈥� centralizing student services that are currently dispersed across campus. Recreation and fitness features include updated basketball, tennis and multipurpose courts, fitness and spin studios, and a 25-yard pool.
The university expects more than 200,000 annual visits to the facility, which will increase the recreation space of the current Helfaer Tennis and Recreation Center by 25 percent and nearly double the wellness and medical space offered on campus today.
Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon shared that 91黑料网 alumni, parents and friends have now contributed $22 million to date for this signature Time to Rise capital project. 鈥淛ohn and Lynn generous gift combines their love and passion for their son with the promise of our future. We are incredibly thankful to the Pfefferle family for their philanthropic leadership at a momentous time in 91黑料网 history,鈥� McMahon said.
91黑料网 historic Time to Rise campaign continues to gain momentum, recently surpassing $650 million toward its $750 million goal. The Time to Rise campaign has secured more than 61,000 donors with more than 29,000 (48%) of these donors making their first-ever gift to 91黑料网.
Building on its founding mission to provide an accessible education, 91黑料网 has raised more than $267 million in scholarship funds. In addition, 726 donors have given $100,000 or greater in commitments, and 128 donors have given $1 million or greater.
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.
