PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Athletics has announced the launch of the Ianniello Excellence in Football Match, a new initiative made possible through the generosity of Pace University Trustee and football alumnus Joe Ianniello '90, who has committed to match, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 in gifts supporting graduate student football scholarships.
In today's competitive NCAA Division II football landscape, experienced graduate student-athletes can play an important role in helping programs compete at a high level. Ianniello, a former Pace football student-athlete, understands what is required for the Setters to continue building a championship level team. Through the Excellence in Football Match, his commitment provides Pace alumni, families, friends and supporters with an opportunity to double the impact of their investment in the future of the program.
Every gift made in support of graduate student football scholarships through the Match will be doubled, and gifts of $2,500 or more will be awarded in the donor's name to a proven graduate football standout. Named scholarship donors will also have the opportunity to meet their scholar and learn firsthand about the impact their generosity makes in the student-athlete's life as an athlete, a student and a leader in their community.
The initiative is designed to provide Pace Football with additional resources to attract and retain talented, experienced student-athletes who can make an immediate impact while pursuing a graduate degree at Pace.
"Pace University and our football program offer an exceptional environment for elite graduate student-athletes to compete at a high level while earning a valuable degree from a university with a strong academic reputation," said Ianniello. "I've always believed that business is a team sport, and the leadership, discipline, and teamwork developed on the football field are essential to success in life. As a former Pace student-athlete, I know firsthand the opportunities this university provides, especially in our business programs. Through this scholarship initiative, we can help remove financial barriers to graduate education, attract experienced and talented players who can make an immediate impact on our program, and give these young men a stronger foundation for success in their future careers."
"Joe has always understood that building a championship-caliber football program requires a commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom," said Pace Director of Athletics Mark Brown. "His extraordinary generosity gives our supporters an opportunity to make twice the impact while directly investing in student-athletes who can help elevate our program. We are incredibly grateful to Joe for his leadership and belief in the future of Pace Football."
Pace Football is seeking to raise the full $100,000 needed to unlock Ianniello's entire matching commitment, creating as much as $200,000 in support of graduate student football scholarships.
"Having experienced players and leaders in our locker room is incredibly important as we continue building this program," said Pace Football Head Coach Chad Walker. "Graduate student-athletes can bring a level of maturity and experience that impacts everyone around them. This Match gives us another important resource to identify young men who can help us on the field while representing Pace the right way in the classroom and in our community."
The Ianniello Excellence in Football Match is part of Pace Football's larger commitment to building a future of sustained achievement — on the gridiron, in the classroom and beyond. Join us in forging the future of Pace Football excellence.
To support the Ianniello Excellence in Football Match and double your impact, visit: paceuathletics.com/footballmatch
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