A.D. Report -- Big Push from Panther Nation Needed in June

I am excited to announce the arrival of our limited-edition #17 Tony Romo EIU bobble heads! You can already find one of these hot collector items sitting on the set of ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning. The bobble head highlights Tony's charming personality that we all love with his renowned smile and laid-back persona. Sports commentators from Sports Radio 1450 in Springfield labeled this bobble head “the coolest one to date”. Okay enough bragging -- how do you get yours? 

The answer is simple -- all Panther Club members who have already contributed to the 2009-10 Fund Drive, along with those who join the Panther Club by making a contribution ($100 minimum, $50 minimum for former student-athletes) between now and Tuesday, June 30, will receive a bobble head as a thank you for ensuring that the Panthers are fully prepared going into the fall. 

June is a decisive month for our program. Over 900 people have signed up during this year's fund drive to show their support for Eastern Illinois Athletics via a Panther Club membership. We need to take this momentum a step further by having 100% of these pledges fulfilled by June 30. Moreover, I'd like to grow our Panther Club base with many more Chicago-area fans. It's not too late to make a contribution to this years fund drive! It will take everyone in Panther Nation pulling together to continue to move our program in the right direction. 

Annual Panther Club donations help fund all 21 sports at Eastern Illinois and directly impact the financial support given to our more than 430 student-athletes who demonstrate everyday that they truly are a Result of the Panther Club LAIR Fund. 

Please note that all contributions must be paid in full by June 30 to receive the bobble head. EIU faculty and staff who have made their annual gift via a payroll deduction will receive a bobble head upon receipt of their first payment. To fulfill your donation, make a new contribution, or inquire with questions, please contact the Panther Club office at 217-581-2310. 

The generosity of individual donors who contribute to the Panther Club LAIR Fund is essential to EIU student-athletes achieving success in the classroom and on the fields of play. Thank you Panther Nation for believing in EIU student-athletes. It's our donors who make great things happen here at EIU. YOU truly are the team behind our teams! 

Lastly, our 2009 Panthers on the Road is planned, ready, and will debut Thursday, June 4 in Springfield at Sammy's Sports Bar & Grill. This series of coaches' shows, golf outings, and pregame hospitality events is an outstanding opportunity for Panther Nation to meet coaches and staff and enjoy the success of Eastern Illinois Athletics. 

Once again thank you to all the Panther Club members; without your support none of this would be possible. 

I'll see you on the road. Go Panthers! 

Barbara Burke 
Director of Athletics