Sept. 5, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. - The Panther Club is pleased to announce its upgraded awards program beginning for the 2009-2010 season. The new membership levels and benefits were instituted to better align with programs offered by the Athletic Department.

The Panther Executive Committee, which includes President Dennis Lind `88, Vice President Susan Tendy '70, Ex-Officio Steve Wirth '70, Curtis Minnis '77, Assistant AD/Senior Woman Administrator, Suzette McQueen and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Robert E. Hartwell, were instrumental in the changes.

"The committee updated language in the mission statement, stressing the importance of engaging our alumni, family and friends," said Lind. "By investing in the Panther Club, members provide direct support to Adelphi's 22 intercollegiate teams, helping to ensure both academic and athletic success. We also believe the Panther Club serves as an outlet for reconnection with the university as well as mentor and volunteer opportunities for our alumni."

The level names have been modified to better reflect their association with athletics. The former Member level of $50-$99 is now the Panther level. The Patron level of $100-$249 level is now MVP. Donors of $250-$499 are designated as All-American and the formerly named Benefactor level of $500-$999 is renamed Coach. The Hall of Fame level of $1,000+ will remain intact.

The Young alumni level of $25 stays the same as well and is good for graduates of the past five years. The Panther Club also sponsors a Junior Panther level of just $10 which includes an official Junior Club T-shirt and membership card as well as admittance to regular season home games.

In addition to the classification changes, all donors at the MVP level or higher will receive an "Athletics Pass", which is good for admission to 10 regular season home games. This initiative ties in the with Athletic Department's new ticket pricing that includes $3 admission for all alumni.

All Panther Club members will receive the Panther Pride newsletter, published three times annually as well as invitations to special athletic events. All members are also invited to attend the annual Panther Club meeting which will take place during Homecoming Weekend, October 10, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in the Center for Recreation and Sports.

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