UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES POWER OF 1,000 HORNETS CAMPAIGN
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State celebrated the success of the Hornet men's and women's basketball teams while also announcing its plan to move forward with an on-campus event center in a Thursday night ceremony at The Well.
With University President Dr. Alexander Gonzalez, Vice President of Student Affairs Ed Mills, Vice President of University Advancement Vince Sales and Director of Athletics Bill Macriss in attendance, the University presented its campaign of "Power of 1,000 Hornets" which hopes to generate over $1 million towards the project.
"Tonight is the first step of many as we begin a fundraising effort to bring an Events Center to the campus of Sacramento State," Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs Markus Jennings said. "The 'Power of 1,000 Hornets' is a grassroots effort to get everyone energized and on board. We are initially seeking 1,000 donors to give $1,140 within 12 months. We have a donor that has committed to giving a gift of $50,000 right now and she's encouraging others to follow her lead."
The 2014-15 basketball seasons were the best for Sacramento State during the school's Div. I era (1991-pres.). The men's team finished with a 21-12 overall record and qualified for the postseason for the first time since the 1987-88 season. During the last half of the season, the team played in front of five-straight overflow crowds at the The Nest — the University's 1,012 seat basketball facility.
Following the season, head coach Brian Katz earned the Hugh Durham Award which is presented to the top Div. I mid-major coach. Katz was also recognized as the Big Sky Conference co-Coach of the Year.
The women's team also advanced to the postseason, recording a pair of wins in the WNIT and moving on to the round of 16. Under head coach Bunky Harkleroad, Sacramento State has set numerous NCAA Div. I records with its high-octane offense and pressing defense.
The proposed Event Center will be a modern, multi-use facility that will increase programming and services for activities such as job fairs, speaker presentations, Commencement ceremonies, featured athletics events, competitions, educational sessions and entertainment such as concerts or performing arts. In addition to the programming benefits, this signature venue will increase the University’s connection with the greater Sacramento community, and increase student employment opportunities on campus.