‘Bring Back the Glory’ campaign tops $2 million

BOWLING GREEN, O. – Bowling Green State University’s “Bring Back the Glory Campaign” has surpassed $2 million in contributions, reaching an important milestone.

Launched last October, the campaign will raise $5 million to endow scholarships for the BGSU hockey program and enhance the Ice Arena. Garry Galley and Mike Pikul, members of BGSU’s 1984 National Championship team, have reunited to co-chair the effort.

According to Marcia Sloan Latta, interim vice president for University advancement who is overseeing the campaign, a gift from Al and Mary Green, of Bowling Green, put the campaign over the $2 million mark.

“We appreciate the Green family’s generosity and the support of all of our donors in helping us surpass this initial goal,” Latta said.

“We’ve been pleased that the outpouring of support for BGSU hockey has translated into some major gifts,” Galley said. “If we can sustain this momentum, we can be successful.”

Pikul agreed that there is still much work to be done. “A coach would say that we had a great first period, but we can’t let up,” he said. “That’s true here. We’ve got two periods left to play in this campaign.”

BGSU President Carol Cartwright credits the campaign’s leadership for the early success of the fundraising effort.

“We have a great group of leaders who have unparalleled passion for BGSU hockey,” she said. “They understand the rich tradition of both the program and the Ice Arena.”

Along with Pikul and Galley, members of the “Bring Back the Glory” committee include:

Rob Blake, a former Falcon and current defenseman for the San Jose Sharks;Tom Blakely, co-owner of Blakely Care Center in Bowling Green

Alissa Czisny, the 2009 national figure skating champion and a 2009 BGSU graduate

Steve Green, a Bowling Green Realtor with A.A. Green Realty and Mecca Management

Mike Marsh, a Bowling Green attorney and former University trustee

Jack Vivian, the Falcons’ first varsity hockey coach

Van Wright, alumnus and assistant to the Vice President for University Advancement at BGSU.

According to Cartwright, $4 million appropriated by the state and the University will support the renovation of the Ice Arena to upgrade the compressors, chillers and infrastructure. That work is currently under way.


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(Posted May 06, 2010 )