Donor Guidebook
Sun Devil Athletics
Dear Sun Devils,
I write to you with immense pride as the athletics director of my alma mater and this exceptional university that unites us as Sun Devils. My dedication to Arizona State University runs deep — I hold two degrees from ASU and have proudly served in various capacities within our esteemed baseball program. My wife is also an alum and volleyball letterwinner, and our young children are growing up as Sun Devils, making this role deeply personal to our family.
As we navigate NCAA reform, our transition to the Big 12, and our entry into the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, change surrounds us. Yet, I firmly believe Sun Devil Athletics is uniquely positioned to lead in the evolving landscape of college sports, largely due to the unwavering support of passionate ASU fans like you. This fall marks a new chapter for our department, where we will continue our meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the moments that connect our fans and supporters to Sun Devil Athletics. Many of our programs continue to achieve conference and national titles, while our student-athletes excel as Olympians, All-Americans and professionals, captivating sports fans worldwide. To fully support our exceptional sports programs, we emphasize our football and men’s and women’s basketball game days. Regularly filling Mountain America Stadium and Desert Financial Arena is the best way to support all 650 studentathletes. Located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, ASU stands as the right university in the right market at the perfect moment. Whatever your interests or background, there’s an opportunity to connect with ASU through Sun Devil Athletics.
Our goal with this guidebook is to serve as your comprehensive resource for supporting Sun Devil Athletics in your own way. Whether it’s as a season ticket holder, corporate partner, Sun Devil Club member, or through exploring name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, we want to ensure you have the best possible experience engaging with our athletics department.
There are numerous ways you can help us “Activate the Valley,” and we eagerly anticipate deepening our relationship with you more than ever. The strength of Sun Devil Nation lies in our collective support, enabling us to empower our coaches and champion our student-athletes while creating extraordinary game day experiences together.
From one Sun Devil to another, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our coaches and student-athletes. Onward to victory!
Forks
up!
Graham Rossini, Athletics Director, Arizona
About Sun Devil Club
Our Mission
The Sun Devil Club, through the support of its members, is dedicated to creating a community of engaged and educated supporters through philanthropy to enhance the student-athlete experience.
By becoming a member of the Sun Devil Club, you are investing in the future of our student-athletes by:
• Increasing scholarship funds through philanthropy
• Providing state-of-the-art facilities
• Supporting championship life, social impact and community embeddedness opportunities
• Ensuring the health and well-being of all student-athletes to perform at an elite level
For the 650+ Sun Devil student-athletes competing in 26 varsity sports, Sun Devil Club support is the foundation for their collegiate experience, which is unlike any other in the nation.
Your investment in the Sun Devil Club is an investment in the potential of all 650+ student-athletes on campus.
Together we can create a first-class experience, change lives and shape the futures of countless young men and women.
The future starts with her
Sun Devil Athletics prioritizes creating and fostering a positive culture for women. That’s where Wings of Gold comes in. The Sun Devil Club is proud to further this department-wide objective through fundraising and events. After celebrating 50 years of Title IX in 2022, we have our sights fixed on the next 50 years of progress. Support and involvement with Wings of Gold impacts the women of Sun Devil Athletics through scholarship endowments, sport-specific support for our 14 women’s athletics programs, leadership development programs and facility upgrades.
Wings of Gold celebration banquet
Our annual Wings of Gold Celebration is our single largest fundraising event for women’s athletics at ASU. In addition to a night full of support, we name our annual Linda Vollstedt Coach of the Year and Heather Farr StudentAthlete of the Year Award winners.
For more information on how to get involved with Wings of Gold, please contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700 or via email at SunDevilClub@asu.edu or visit our dedicated landing page at SunDevilClub.com/title-ix.
In their own words
I am very blessed to have received the Bitton Family Scholarship. Thank you for making my dreams come true and for allowing me to pursue higher education. Go Sun Devils!”
Chris Edmonds
Sun Devil Football
Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama
Major: Liberal studies
Pursuing: Master of communication
Grad: 2023
“
I just want to say thank you so much for allowing me to have this experience in college, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. want you to know that I appreciate your donation and assistance in making my student-athlete experience as amazing as it has been!”
Alex Theodorou
Sun Devil Gymnastics
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Math
Expected graduation: 2025
Receiving this scholarship has been a life-changing experience for me. It has not only eased the financial burden of pursuing my academic goals but has also provided me with a renewed sense of hope and determination to excel in education, which has always been a goal of mine. Thank you so much.”
Maggie Besselink
Sun Devil Women’s Basketball
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Major: Elementary education
Expected graduation: 2025
“
Mullett Arena
Once the dream of a successful club hockey program, Mullett Arena represents decades of hard work and tremendous generosity from Sun Devil Hockey donors.
Philanthropy in Action Beach Volleyball Complex
After opening on Oct. 14, 2022, it quickly became one of the jewels of not only Arizona State University, but the entire Valley community. Mullett has hosted collegiate hockey, NHL hockey, college wrestling, college volleyball, concerts and a slew of other events benefiting this community.
It serves as an example of the power of philanthropy: an idea turned to reality as a result of an athletics department relentless in its pursuit of excellence and innovation and, more importantly, a community of donors who carried it over the finish line.
After playing at the PERA Club for the first few years after the program’s inception, Sun Devil Beach Volleyball played the first match on campus at its very own facility in spring of 2023.
This project, and others like it, such as the Thunderbird Golf Complex, serve as constant reminders of the power of philanthropy and its impact on student-athletes. Your generosity moves the needle on these projects and ensures Sun Devil Athletics remains a destination for prospective student-athletes competing for NCAA championships.
Capital Projects
Malone Hitting Complex
The Malone Hitting Complex allowed college baseball’s greatest tradition, Sun Devil Baseball, dubbed by many as MLBU, to add a premier hitting and practice facility to its already impressive home.
Unveiled in early 2019, the building sits under the Coors Light Devil Deck and features state-of-the-art technology allowing Sun Devil Baseball student-athletes access to the best resources possible to practice and prepare.
Student-athletes can work around the clock as they strive toward their goal of getting to Omaha on an annual basis.
Thunderbird
Golf Complex
Opened in November of 2018, the Thunderbird Golf Complex is a 7,000-square-foot facility that serves both the Sun Devil Men’s and Women’s Golf programs.
As a part of a sizable investment made in Papago Golf Club after ASU partnered with the course, the renovation joins Lou Grubb Clubhouse and Lou’s Bar and Grill.
This project was the result of philanthropic support and has played a crucial role in maintaining the dominance of both programs, which regularly bring in top-ranked recruiting classes and who are regulars at the NCAA Championships.
For information about current and upcoming capital projects, contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700 or via email at sundevilclub@asu.edu.
Annual Giving
The Sun Devil Club helps fund scholarships for Arizona State University’s 650-plus student-athletes across its 26 sports.
Champions Club
With an annual contribution of $10,000 or more in unrestricted giving, you become a member of the Champions Club, which includes exclusive perks and access available to members only.
Sun Devil Club
By making a gift of $100 or greater, you become a member of the Sun Devil Club, qualifying you for benefits outlined on page 12.
Sport-Specific Giving
Each program has its own fundraising needs on an annual basis, from nutrition enhancements to expansion of recruiting capacities beyond the allotted operating budgets.
Capital Projects
The Sun Devil Club plays a large role in the construction and renovation of SDA facilities.
Area of Greatest Need
Your gift can make an immediate impact by supporting whatever is needed most across the entire department of athletics, a crucial budget for any university.
Geli Cyr Flower Mound, Texas
Ways to Give
Gifts of cash, check or credit card
The Sun Devil Club accepts cash or checks made payable to the “Sun Devil Club” or “Sun Angel Foundation,” or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover).
Multiyear commitments
The Sun Devil Club offers the opportunity for a philanthropic investment to be pledged and fulfilled over a five-year period.
Company matching gifts
More than 600 companies will match a donor’s contribution to the Sun Devil Club or ASU Foundation through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status.
Planned giving
With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will specifying a gift to family, friends or Sun Devil Athletics as part of your estate plan. Leave a lasting legacy with one of the simplest gifts to make.
Gifts of assets and funds
ASU gratefully accepts gifts of personal property that will benefit Sun Devil Athletics such as: gifts of securities, stock transfers, personal property, vehicle donation, real estate, bargain sale, closely held businesses, donor advised funds and IRA qualified charitable distributions.
Payroll deduction
For ASU employees only, a designated portion of your paycheck can go directly to the Sun Devil Club.
Payment plans
We make it easy to give. Payment plans are available at all levels. See page 13 for a full breakdown.
For more information on planned and asset giving, please review planned giving on page 10 or contact our office with questions.
Endowments
Endowed giving with Sun Devil Athletics
The endowment you create provides scholarships or programmatic support that elevates the Arizona State University experience in perpetuity. In 2004, the ASU endowment was $250 million. As of February 2024, it surpassed $1.5 billion. Without endowment gifts, ASU would not be what it is today and that same permanent, sustainable support is what will create the ASU of tomorrow.
How your endowment works
Your endowment is a gift of assets that is invested by ASU’s investment team. Only earned returns are spent. The principle remains intact, benefiting the university in perpetuity. Endowments require minimum funding levels. Please contact the Sun Devil Club to learn more about creating your perpetual impact.
Cam Skattebo Rio Linda, California
Planned Giving
Make a lasting impact by exploring ways to give back from your retirement assets or your estate
Beneficiary designation
Support causes you care about while simplifying your estate planning and simultaneously reducing fees as well as tax liability for your family.
Gifts from your will
With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will that can specify ASU as part of your estate.
Gifts from your trust
Without reducing your assets during your lifetime, you can create a lasting impact by making a gift to ASU from your trust.
Qualified charitable distribution
Avoid income tax penalties by donating directly from your taxable IRA rather than taking your required minimum distributions, all while making an impact.
For more information on retirement and planned giving with Sun Devil Athletics, please contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700 or SunDevilClub@asu.edu.
Donor Impact
by the numbers
Where are your donations going?
$50,101 for cost of attendance
$18,500 in team travel
$10,200 in equipment
$5,163 in sports medicine
$8,000 in meals
$2,400 in academic tutoring
$94,201* per student-athlete
*average based on out-of-state student as of 2021–2022
What are your donations doing?
995 APR
*First in the Pac-12
3.3 GPA
*Average in fall of 2022 Scholar Ballers
*76% of students (3.0 or higher)
4.0 GPA *110 studentathletes
136
Academic AllAmericans
*2nd in the Pac-12 since 2000
*Pac-12 Women’s Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year - 2024
Simbarashe Maketa Harare, Zimbabwe
Marianna Argyrokastriti Athens, Greece
Sun Devil Club Donor Benefits
Philanthropically impact Sun Devil student-athletes
Receive monthly Maroon & Gold Newsletter
20% discount at Sparky’s Stadium Shop
Access to Pitchfork Partners exclusive deals
Parking/ticket priority
Quarterly special events
Coors Light Tailgate passes*
Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite*
Exclusive Maroon experiences
Sparky’s Stadium Shop gift cards
Single-game football suite tickets
Access to sport-specific coach insights
2 single-game pre-game football sideline passes
Gold donor trip
2 single-game full-game football sideline passes**
2 full-season football sideline passes**
*Must be a season-ticket holder **Pre-Game, Single-game and full-season sideline pass benefits cannot be stacked
For more details on these giving levels and their benefits, contact the Sun Devil Club at (480) 727-7700 or SunDevilClub@asu.edu.
Laura Kirberg Phoenix, Arizona
Premium Seating
Sun Devil Football
Coach’s Club
Found in the stadium’s northwest corner, Coach’s Club features a high-end, climatecontrolled interior with comfortable gathering areas and complimentary food as well as beer, wine and liquor. Also, enjoy two parking spots and host your own private events in the space.
5-year commitments
6 seats: $8,333 per-seat per year
4 seats: $9,000 per-seat per year
2 seats: $10,000 per-seat per year
San Tan Ford Club*
Located on the east side of the stadium, the San Tan Ford Club features a climate-controlled club with padded seats and premium food and drink options.
Section 132: $1,750 per ticket + onetime $5,000 per-seat capital
Sections 130-131, 133-134: $1,500 per ticket + one-time $2,500 per-seat capital
Sections 129 & 135: $1,250 per ticket + one-time $1,500 per-seat capital
Dos Equis Legends’ Club
Found on the southwest side, the Dos Equis Legend’s Club features a climate-controlled lounge with a complimentary, full-service buffet, beer and wine as well as wide, comfortable chair-back seats or your own suite.
All Seats: $2,500 per ticket + one-time $10,000 per-seat capital
Sun Devil Basketball
Hospitality Suite Sun Devil Men’s Basketball season ticket holders at the Captain benefit level and above enjoy access to our hospitality suite. The suite has light snacks with comfortable seating/ gathering areas as well as a private bar with beer, wine and soft drinks.
Coors Light Club Chill
Do hockey in the desert in style with our premium Coors Light Club. Enjoy a catered buffet as a well as a full bar in a spacious lounge area right behind your seats with private, wrist-banded access.
*Total includes Sun Devil Club contribution.
Sun Devil Club Letterwinners
Sun Devil Letterwinners is an exclusive club reserved for all those who have repped the Maroon & Gold at some point or another. A robust community comprised of Sun Devils from every generation, members enjoy a slew of benefits beginning at the recent grad level all the way through legacy endowment supporters.
Please review the below benefits available to former Sun Devil varsity letterwinners and use the QR code to sign up for Athlete Network to stay up-to-date on all things
Sun Devil Club Letterwinners today!
Recent Grad (Complimentary)
Maroon & Gold
($100/year)
Premium
($250/year)
Recent grads get complimentary Maroon & Gold membership inclusive of 25 priority points as well as opportunities to connect with fellow Letterwinners.
Maroon & Gold members receive standard Sun Devil Club member benefits in addition to access to the Hobbs Family Stadium Club for home football games.
Premium members get an exclusive annual gift, two (2) complimentary Junior Sun Devil Club memberships and invitations to signature events throughout the year.
Pitchfork
($500/year)
O2V
($1,000/year)
Pitchfork members gain access to lunch or dinner with a Sun Devil student-athlete, access to the MBB Hospitality Suite, Coors Light Tailgate and Stole Ceremony.
O2V Letterwinners enjoy a luncheon opportunity with an administrator or coach and the chance to reserve a tabletop (2 seats) in the HFSC on football gamedays.
For questions about your eligibility or anything concerning the Sun Devil Club Letterwinners, please contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700 or via email at SunDevilClub@asu.edu.
Key dates
Below are some of the most important dates pertaining to your Sun Devil Club membership and your experience with Sun Devil Athletics. Be sure to save them to your calendar to get the most out of your experience.
JUL 01
AUG 15
Start of the fiscal year
Beginning of academic and athletic calendar
NOV/ DEC Football season ticket renewals begin*
FEB/ MAR DEC 31
End of the calendar and tax year
Men’s Basketball and Hockey season ticket renewals begin*
30 Fiscal year ends
*Per Sun Devil Ticketing policy, the renewal period for each ticketed sport will begin during the final month of that sport’s regular season.
For the most up-to-date list of upcoming Sun Devil Club events, please visit SunDevilClub.com/events.
Junior Sun Devil Club
Put your junior Sun Devil into training with the Junior Sun Devil Club. Children eighth grade and younger can experience Sun Devil Athletics hands on with admission to more than 300 competitions, exclusive experiences and memories for a lifetime.
A $25 Junior Sun Devil Club membership includes:
• Official Junior Sun Devil Club T-shirt sponsored by State Forty Eight.
• Official Junior Sun Devil Club membership card and lanyard.
• Free admission to select Sun Devil Athletics events such as:
• One (1) designated Sun Devil Football game per season, six (6) designated men’s basketball games, Six (6) designated softball games, six (6) designated baseball games and more!
To sign up your little one(s), visit SunDevilClub.com/junior-sun-devil-club today.
A new era of NIL at ASU
NIL at ASU
Sun Devil Athletics is committed to empowering all Arizona State University student-athletes to build a legacy both on and off the field. The ASU NIL program and tools are designed to support student athletes in developing a strong personal brand, building a professional network , promoting personal growth, creating financial security and preparing for life after college athletics.
Preferred collective partner
The Sun Angel Collective is an official partner and the preferred collective of Sun Devil Athletics. The Collective’s dedication is to supporting and empowering student-athletes at Arizona State University by raising funds and facilitating legal and compliant NIL opportunities. Through the Collective’s efforts, athletes can use their time and talent to help our community, all while gaining experience and mentorship to become our next generation of leaders.
Visit sundevils.com/NIL or scan here for more information.
Meet the Staff
Scott Nelson
Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Vice President, Enterprise Development
Bridget Arenson Director, Donor Experience and Events
Danny Bellissimo Associate Director, Major Gifts
Jacque Blaser Director, Donor Relations and Events
Vince Volpe Associate Athletics Director
Tom Collins Assistant Athletics Director, Development
Maria Mullan Assistant Athletics Director, Development
Will Goode Sr. Associate Director, Major Gifts
Kalie Jonovich Assistant Director, Major Gifts
Cohlton Kieffer Development Officer
Richie McKone Project Coordinator
Justin Gaither Associate Director, Communications
Kevin Miniefield Director, Letterwinners
Bo Moos Assistant Athletics Director, Development
Debbie Souza Coordinator, Sun Devil Club
Linda Vollstedt Development Director
Ellie Brecht Associate Director, Major Gifts
