STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State Bulldog Club contributors and others gave $17.4 million during the 2009-10 fiscal year, an increase of $2.2 million over the $15.2 MSU Athletics raised in 2008-09.

 

“Our fundraising success is evidence of the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding Mississippi State,” Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said. “We’re appreciative of the support and commitment our alumni and fans have for the Bulldogs, and it’s their continued support that allows us to compete in the Southeastern Conference.

 

“We also have a talented Bulldog Club and development staff leading our efforts, along with a dedicated group of volunteers.”

 

The 2009-10 figure is a 13 percent increase from the prior year, and an impressive 55 percent jump from 2007-08 amount of $11.6 million.

 

The financial success achieved by athletics during the past fiscal year would not be possible without the private support of Mississippi State’s alumni and fans.  Those friends of athletics not only show their financial appreciation, they have also helped the department set attendance and season ticket sales records in all sports during the past two years.  The school set state of Mississippi spring football game attendance records the past two years, established season and individual game football attendance records last season, and holds state season ticket sales records in both basketball and baseball.

 

Fans and alumni contribute to Mississippi State Athletics through two non-profit organizations – the Bulldog Club, which supports student-athlete scholarships and facility enhancements, and the Bulldog Foundation, which provides competitive salary supplements.

 

Athletics’ $17.4 million figure is part of the $65.1 million.