Each coach personally connected with former student-athletes and supporters to help introduce a new initiative: The 1879 Club.

Named in honor of the university’s founding year, the 1879 Club invites alumni and friends of Union’s athletic programs to make a gift of $18.79 in support of their favorite team. It’s a simple but powerful way for alumni to stay connected to the programs that shaped their college experience—and to ensure current and future Bulldogs have the resources they need to succeed.

Building strong relationships with former student-athletes is a priority for Union, and the 1879 Club represents an intentional step toward strengthening those ties and bringing alumni back into the fold of campus life.

[PHOTO: At left coaches are seen texting former student-athletes during their Dear Old Union Day initiative. 

While the full rollout of the 1879 Club is planned for this fall, this early effort was just the beginning. Members will receive exclusive updates from coaches, Bulldog swag, and special perks at Union athletic events. The fall launch will provide more ways for supporters to deepen their impact and connection through ongoing involvement.

Then, on Friday, May 16, the athletic department gathered again—this time for the first of four Summer Service Days, each planned ahead of summer new student orientation sessions.

The inaugural service day focused on facility improvements, including painting areas of the athletic office complex and deep cleaning and reorganizing the weight room.

[PHOTO: Coaches work to reorganize and clean the weight room during their service day.]

“There’s something really powerful about coming together as a staff and putting in the work ourselves,” said Clay Butler, Vice President of Athletics. “We talk a lot about culture and leading by example—and this is one way we live that out. We’re proud to invest time and energy into the spaces where our student-athletes train and grow.”