Forever Flyer Challenge Final Standings

Romeoville, Ill. - They may have been trailing with just hours to go, but the Lewis University women's golf team, led by head coach Skip Steffey, made a last minute surge to win both categories of the Second Annual Forever Flyer Challenge and earn $7,000 towards their program.

The winnings, says Steffey, will go towards enhanced video equipment and a further expansion of training at off-campus indoor facilities. The Forever Flyer Challenge, which lasted from March 3rd to May 1st, was a coordinated effort between Athletics and University Advancement to increase alumni giving participation and support. The two departments collaborate to meet mutually beneficial goals.

Steffey's squad won both the biggest increase of giving participation from the 2013 challenge to this year, as well as the greatest percentage of alumni contributors for 2014. In all, the women's golf team secured gifts from 44.8% of their alumni base, which is a 31.5% increase from their performance in 2013 (13.3%).

The women's golf team will receive $7,000 from challenge donor Lester (Les) Kraft '55 for winning each category, while men's volleyball (percentage of participation) and women's basketball (increase from 2013) each earn $1,500 for their respective programs - also contributed by Kraft.

"It is gratifying to see the alumni support our team in such a strong way," Steffey said. "It reflects their experience at Lewis and their love and dedication to the ongoing efforts of the team. Thanks so much to the alumni who made this possible!"

The entire athletics department, including the $10,000 contribution from Kraft, raised a total of $24,028.14 for the Forever Flyer Challenge. As a whole, 15.24%, of eligible alumni participated in the challenge, which was an increase from 14.1% in 2013.

"I am very thankful to each of the 391 alumni athletes who contributed to this year's campaign," Lewis Associate Director of Athletics Brian Summers said. "In particular, I'd like to thank Lester Kraft for his generosity and commitment to Flyer athletics. His gift has allowed us to reconnect with hundreds of alumni and spur a spirit of giving that focuses on what you give, not how much."

The participation of the former Flyers is not lost upon head men's volleyball coach Dan Friend and head women's basketball coach Lisa Carlsen.

"I want to thank all the alumni who helped us out (with the challenge)," Friend said. "Building connections with alumni is a key to success for our program, and when they take the time to give money and support, it's awesome."

"It's exciting to be able to engage with our alumni and show them that great things are ahead for this program," Carlsen said. "Having their support means a lot, not only to myself, but our team."

"Without the logistics support of our University Advancement staff, this campaign would not be as successful," said Summers.

This was Kraft's second year of supporting the Forever Flyers Challenge. Kraft, a former Lewis University student-athlete, was a member of the football team from 1951-55. A 1955 alumnus, Kraft holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Lewis University. The former Rockwell International Vice President was inducted into the Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.