GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Generosity, blessed and humility were the frequent themes that you found inside Ralph Engelstad Arena on Friday afternoon, as the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation and North Dakota Athletics hosted the annual Champion Builders Reception inside the lobby of the REA.
 
Associate Director of the North Dakota Champions Club Trey Larimer alongside North Dakota Director of Athletics Bill Chaves served as the event's emcees before Darrin Looker moderated a panel consisting of a trio of Fighting Hawk student-athletes.
 
"You are changing people's lives," said Chaves. "In some instances, you are changing family trees. You are seeing the impact these student-athletes have in competition, in the classroom and in the community."
 
Sophomore Will Zellers (hockey), senior Tegan Livesay (softball) and senior Lance Rucker (football) spoke on the panel, each expressing their appreciation and the importance that donors have had on their journey and experiences at North Dakota.
 
"It's unbelievable to have this opportunity," said Zellers. "I am just one of many student-athletes here that give to live out the dream of getting to play at UND. This is a lifelong dream come true and I am trying to live that out in the way I play every day. I knew that I wanted to play at North Dakota long before I ever wanted to play in the NHL."
 
"This place just felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus," said Livesay. "I just felt like I really needed to be here. You can see all the upgrades that have happened for our team and that is something truly special."
 
"This is a blessing," said Rucker. "It has changed my whole family tree because of this opportunity. The culture just felt like home. I appreciate you all. You have all changed my life and how I live every day."
 
The event, now in its 11th year, brings together student-athletes across all sports at North Dakota with donors who have provided endowment scholarships, impact scholarships, priority needs, Name, Image and Likeness opportunities, are members of the Legacy Circle and North Dakota Champions Club Diamond Members.
 
For more information on North Dakota Athletics, follow on social media @UNDsports or visit FightingHawks.com.