Play and Pay: How Former Student-Athletes Contribute Financially to a University

Student-athletes are an integral part of all universities successes during their time as a student. However, once they graduate they are often asked to financially contribute back to their alma mater in a variety of ways. This work takes a closer look at how former student-athletes at the University of North Carolina financially contributed to university and departmental fundraising efforts, and to athletics specifically, and why they give in such a manner. Strategies will be discussed to improve communication and fundraising efforts with this group, as a strong relationship between universities and former student-athletes is beneficial to all parties involved.