Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Maroon & Gold BOLD — the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Central Michigan Athletics history — is underway, designed to support the experience and well-being of more than 400 student-athletes a year, elevate 17 CMU Chippewa varsity sports, and enhance Central’s fan experiences. 

As part of an upcoming comprehensive university campaign, the goal of Maroon & Gold BOLD is to raise $25 million over five years to continue to build on CMU’s history of leading the Mid-American Conference.

“This campaign pulls us together to fuel a future that serves today’s student-athletes, while positioning the university to continue its history of excellence in the MAC,” said Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. “It will create an energy that unifies us all in support of our teams and Central Michigan University as a whole.”

The campaign will focus on investment in three key areas: student-athlete experience, fan experience and being performance leaders in the MAC. 

“We must continuously improve the quality of academic and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes, increase fan engagement to serve our 245,000 alumni worldwide and to expand the resources that promote athletic excellence within the MAC,” Folan said.

Each of the three campaign pillars has specific initiatives to support. Donors are encouraged to be creative with their gifts, investing in areas they’re passionate about.

A recent gift from Tony and Kim Voisin, for example, helped create the Student Spirit and Traditions Endowment Fund, which will provide opportunities for CMU students to be more engaged in athletics during their time on campus.

“Strong supporters of CMU Athletics are coming forward with incredible gifts, and we’ll be sharing their stories as the campaign continues,” Folan said. “Every gift makes a difference. I’m excited to work with alumni and fans to make CMU Athletics everything it can be.”