Grand Forks, N.D.--The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Club, the lead fundraising arm for UND Athletics, has finished a fourth consecutive record-breaking year. In 2009-10, $2.035 million was raised for student-athlete scholarships and athletic program support.

In addition, trades in goods and services for UND athletics total more than $120,000.

"To get over the $2 million mark is a tribute to our alumni and fans," Director of Athletics Brian Faison said. "To exceed it two years in a row is an incredible statement of their commitment and generosity in supporting Fighting Sioux Athletics."

In 1996, the first year of the FSC, donations totaled $368,000.

Along with record dollars, the Fighting Sioux Club's membership remained steady, with 2,349 Sioux fans loyally supporting UND Athletics, a substantial increase from just 621 donors in 1996.

The Fighting Sioux Club provides the support necessary for UND student-athletes to get an education and have the best competitive experience in their sport. As UND makes the move to Division I, scholarship donations are more important than ever. This year Fighting Sioux Club members funded more than half of the total scholarships for all 20 sports at UND.

"Everything we do is for our student-athletes and there are Fighting Sioux Club members all over the country and Canada, helping young people get a college education and get the experience of a lifetime as a student-athlete at UND," Fighting Sioux Club Executive Director Josh Morton said. "Championships start with scholarships, and we're able to talk about champions in competition, in the classroom, and in the community." 

The Fighting Sioux Club is a primary source of private support for UND athletics. The membership club, operated by the UND Foundation, raises funds for scholarship and program support for UND's 20 athletics programs.

~Go Sioux~