Stevens scholar-athletes are among the university’s highest achievers, demonstrating unstoppable determination in their sports as well as their academic pursuits. Contributions to athletics helped elevate their experience through travel opportunities, coaching enhancements and facility improvements.
Stevens Athletics enjoys a special place in the hearts of many alumni and friends. The annual All Rise Challenge has become a tradition, bringing the entire university community together in support of our amazing scholar-athletes.
Participation in a sport at Stevens requires a special brand of dedication. Already high-achieving and highly motivated students, Stevens scholar-athletes do what it takes to succeed in their sports as well. They manage intense academic loads along with significant practice and game schedules, learning invaluable lessons about teamwork and leadership along the way.
That includes jumping in to promote their sports. During the All Rise Challenge in October 2024, Ducks knocked it out of the park, raising nearly $157,000 from 1,451 donors – an increase of more than 400 donors! The softball team led the way, reaching out through social media and email campaigns to fill donation “Bingo boards” with sponsorships as high as $1,000. Their efforts inspired 192 donors to contribute more than $24,000.
Associate athletic director for administration and head softball coach Emily Kaczmarek pointed out that every gift at every level had an impact at Stevens. “Donations made it possible for the team to take two trips during the season, to Georgia and California,” she said. “These trips provided terrific team bonding opportunities, and travel to warmer climates meant the team had more outdoor playing time.”
“The funds also allowed us to bring in a mental performance coach to provide group and one-to-one sessions,” Kaczmarek continued. “This, combined with all of the extra games, gave our Ducks a stellar experience as well as a competitive advantage.”
Russell Rogers, assistant vice president and director of athletics and recreation, echoed Kaczmarek’s appreciation for the support received for the university’s athletics programs. “Contributions had a major, and very tangible, impact on our athletes’ day-to-day experience. Students were able to really see and feel what comes out of gifts to athletics.”
A gift to Stevens Athletics can also become a celebration of family, as when Dale and Nadine Creamer chose to honor their children, both outstanding lacrosse players, with a gift from the Creamer Family Foundation to purchase and install a new video scoreboard at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.
“Giving back through philanthropy is a long-held Creamer family tradition,” Dale told us, noting that sons Bryan and Blake graduated in May 2025 and are currently working toward master’s degrees at Stevens. “We wanted to acknowledge the twins’ hard work and accomplishments while providing something of lasting value to be enjoyed by the community.”
“We can do so much more with a video scoreboard,” Rogers explained. “It is exciting to be able to show athletes’ photos and stats during games. We even have plans to host movie nights on the field, something we couldn’t do before.”
In April, members of the Creamer family came out to help unveil this enduring symbol of generosity and achievement. “There was a ceremony on the field that was wonderful,” Dale said. “Stevens athletes had an opportunity to speak, and we all got together afterwards to share the team meal. Everyone there, from administration to students, was so appreciative. When you give to Stevens you feel like you’re doing the right thing.”
“Gifts to Stevens Athletics go a long way,” Kaczmarek said. “Students are empowered when they see alumni and friends matching their commitment to go the extra mile.”
“Stevens is well known for building great futures for students,” Rogers added. “Our goal as an athletic department is to provide the best possible complement to the first-class education offered here. When we can involve our donors, and our students have the opportunity to see and appreciate that, the value of the Stevens experience grows.”
