San Jose, Calif.—San José State University Athletics announces a $1 million gift from Kevin, '87 Finance, and Sandy Swanson for the construction of seating at the Spartan Soccer Complex and in support of the football program through the Spartan Athletic Center (SAC).
"Kevin and Sandy Swanson care deeply about our entire Spartan Athletics program. Their generous gift is dedicated to our soccer and football programs and shows their steadfast belief and support to move Spartan Athletics forward," said Marie Tuite, San José State director of athletics. "This gift will enhance the soccer stadium with the installation of new seating and will continue their support to the Spartan Athletics Center. We are so appreciative of this significant gift and thank the Swansons for their commitment to improving the athletic experiences for our student-athletes and our loyal fan base."
The Swanson's investment will enable the university to construct seating at the soccer stadium to accommodate 1,000 fans for the women's and men's soccer programs. Since joining the Mountain West, the women's soccer team won two MW Tournament titles – 2015 and 2018. The men's soccer program has a storied history and has played in the championship match of the conference tournament in two of the past three years.
This gift by the Swansons is in addition to the $1 million gift commitment the couple made to the SAC in 2019. Their support of the SAC will help the 2020 Mountain West Football Champions continue their successes on and off the field.
The Swansons also give their time to the Beyond Football program. Their support ranges from student-athlete mentorship to consistently supporting yearly student-athlete networking events.
"When you have leadership that understands the positive impact that athletics has on the University as a whole and the dedication of the coaches and staff of all sports towards empowering their athletics success in life, it instills pride in all SJSU students and brings notoriety to the educational excellence that has always been offered by this institution," stated the Swansons. "We hope that this additional gift continues to bring awareness and opens doors to other alumni's gifts for change."
"To start the 2021 spring semester with another very generous gift from Kevin and Sandy Swanson is incredible for San José State University, San José State Athletics, Spartan Football and the Spartan Athletics Center. Thank you Kevin and Sandy, for caring so much about this university and the welfare of our student-athletes. They passionately support our Beyond Football program providing mentoring and networking opportunities, serve as visible role models of success to our student-athletes, and identify ways and means to enhance the San José State student-athlete experience in the present and future," said Brent Brennan, San José State football head coach.
"We are so thankful for this incredible gift. Kevin and Sandy's generous gift allows us to continue to implement our program's goal of developing young people into leaders and role models in our society, as well as having the top-notch facilities needed to attract top talent and be a national contender in women's soccer. Thank you Kevin and Sandy, you have made a positive impact on so many," said Lauren Hanson, San José State women's soccer head coach.
"This gift from the Swansons will enable the soccer programs to compete in a top-notch facility. The team and I are hugely appreciative of Kevin and Sandy and the difference they have made to present and future student-athletes at San José State," said Simon Tobin, San José State men's soccer head coach.
For more information on how to invest in the Spartan Athletic Center or the Spartan soccer programs, please call 408-924-1175 or visit www.SJSUSpartans.com.
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