University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Dorry Kee Makes Impact Gift to Karl Straus Track Renovation and Bulldog Athletic Association
07.24.2023 | General, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – On the heels of a record-breaking fundraising year, UNC Asheville Athletics announced on Monday a generous impact gift from Dorry Kee to the Karl Straus Track renovation and the Bulldog Athletic Association (BAA). This gift will also assist Bulldog Athletics in meeting the $1 million challenge gift that was announced earlier in the spring.
Kee has committed $100,000 in support of the track renovation with an additional $20,000 pledged to the BAA. The refurbishing of the track is just one component of the ALL IN Campaign, a comprehensive capital campaign that will dramatically improve the outdoor sports facilities at UNC Asheville.
"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join in support of the Karl Straus Track renovation project," said Kee. "The new, enhanced facility will better allow the continuation of the fine work that Bulldog Athletics does in giving the student-athletes the best opportunity to succeed."
"It will be a game changer for both UNC Asheville and the greater Asheville community. I look forward to seeing the finished track and attending competitions for many years to come!"
Kee was raised in Dallas, Texas, and credits her participation in multiple sports growing up as fundamental to building a strong body and a strong mindset for life.
"What I learned playing soccer, field hockey and tennis, I used regularly in my previous work life and, now, in my 30+year career with RE/MAX," added Kee. "These invaluable skills include being disciplined, practicing and playing hard, staying positive, learning how to play well on a team and take care of your team mates, moving past a missed shot or a game loss and focusing on the next opportunity. Sports keep you humble and yet, reveal strengths you never knew you had until challenged."
Kee was introduced to UNC Asheville by former Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cable with whom she had worked with at the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. This relationship allowed for frequent visits to UNC Asheville where Kee was introduced to Bulldog Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone.
"I have been very impressed with the stellar direction of Bulldog Athletics under Janet's leadership," noted Kee. "The individual care for each student-athlete and the nurturing for them to be their best self is so obviously important to those who work with these young people. The high percentage of student-athletes on the academic honor rolls speaks to that care and attention given."
Kee also points to her relationship with Cone as helping to grow her relationship with, and desire to support, Bulldog Athletics.
"I have been fortunate to attend multiple men's and women's Final Fours, including two years ago in New Orleans with Janet. As an alum of Duke, it is even more exciting when they are participating. But most of all, I leave these events every year with a greater appreciation of the importance of athletics in the lives of the student-athletes."
Feeling inspired to help support the Bulldog Athletics' challenge gift or the ALL IN campaign? Please contact Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone at jcone@unca.edu or (828) 251-6922.
