It’s difficult to manage university studies and playing varsity sports, says Lancer football quarterback Sam Girard, but the scholarship support he has received really helps.

Girard, a fourth-year kinesiology major, is grateful for the Gino Fracas Memorial Football Scholarship and the donors who made it possible.

“I think that scholarships can change a student’s entire experience in university,” he says. “Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to not have to worry as much about money, leaving me more time to focus on studying and also excel in football.”

It’s a sentiment shared by engineering professor Jacqueline Stagner, who contributes through the Annual Giving Program.

“I donate because athletics are such a strong part of building community at the University,” says Dr. Stagner. “As a member of the UWindsor community, I want to encourage and support these activities as much as possible. Go Lancers!”

Jean-Paul Circelli became head coach of Lancer football February 1.

“As the new head coach of Lancer football, I feel that by supporting student athletics we are creating meaningful opportunities for UWindsor student athletes,” he says. “These donations allow student athletes to focus on their studies and their sport.”

The Annual Giving Program encourages employees and retirees to give to their favourite campus causes. Last year’s average gift was $562. This year, the goal is to increase the average gift to $575.

Win a chance for one of the incentives listed below by contributing to the faculty, staff, and retiree campaign by April 18:

• an extra vacation day;
• Beats headphones;
• Apple AirPods;
• Google Home smart speakers;
• a pair of University Players season passes;
• Lancer all-sports pass;
• $100 UwinCASH card;
• two tickets to see the Detroit Tigers host the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 11;
• two tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert June 9 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena;
• two tickets to the Who concert June 1 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

To make a tax-deductible donation online — including by convenient payroll deduction — visit the UWindsor donations page.