University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldog Athletics and Bank of America Hosts Annual Scholarship Luncheon
09.06.2024 | General, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville Athletics Department has a record-breaking 300 student-athletes on campus for the 2024-25 school year. This is the largest student-athlete population in school history, a feat that would not have been possible without the generosity of donors and scholarship funding.
The annual Bulldog Athletics Scholarship Luncheon, which took place on Thursday (Sept. 5), allowed Bulldog Athletics scholarship donors to meet their student-athlete recipients. Over 80 people were in attendance, and Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone hosted the event, which Bank of America kindly sponsored for the second year running. Additionally, the bank sponsors AD Cone's Quarterly student-athlete luncheons.
The hourlong program allowed student-athletes to connect with their benefactors and express their gratitude. Several people spoke at the event, including Sandi Heckman, the Board Chair of the Bulldog Athletic Association (BAA). Several student-athletes shared personal stories about how scholarship funding has enabled them to succeed athletically and academically at UNC Asheville.
Longtime Bulldog Athletics supporter Mike Grillot shared his excitement for athletic programs that are back competing. "It's great to be back here with everyone," Grillot said. "It was a long summer not having sports, and now everything is back. I'm already having trouble seeing all of the events whether it's streaming or being there in person."
Isabel Richardson, a sophomore on the women's cross country and track & field team, was one of the student-athletes who attended the luncheon. "I really enjoyed meeting the benefactors that have provided me with a scholarship that allows me to run and study here at UNC Asheville," said Richardson. "The individuals that I got to meet play such a huge role in the success that we student-athletes can achieve both in the classroom and our respective sports. I appreciate the opportunity to express my gratitude to them."
The event was hailed a success across the board. "Our scholarship donors are so vital to our overall success," said AD Janet R. Cone. "Because of their generosity, our coaches are able to recruit Champions and Leaders who Dream Bigger and Achieve More. These donors and our staff are helping to prepare our Bulldogs for future career success. We are so grateful to them."
