Utah State University Athletics announced Thursday the addition of the Blue A Society, which is a new major gifts program.

A minimum pledge of $25,000 over a five-year period or donating an annual cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies one as a Blue A Society member.

"It is with tremendous excitement that we announce a new major gifts program for USU Athletics – the Blue A Society," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John Hartwell. "This philanthropic giving program will drive operational and sport specific revenues for our athletics program, enhancing the student-athlete experience, while also positioning our teams for greater competitive success."

The Blue A Society (BAS) provides the philanthropic leadership for Utah State Athletics. The purpose of the BAS is to increase philanthropic revenues for USU Athletics, supporting operational needs and capital priorities. The BAS will position Aggie student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition, and in life after graduation.

USU Athletics will establish its top priorities, but Blue A Society donors have the opportunity to invest in the fund(s) of their choice, including Aggies Unlimited, Merlin Olsen Fund, capital funds, endowments, sport gift accounts, etc. In addition, USU Athletics has created the Wayne Estes Fund. Gifts to this fund are specifically used to enhance the position of Utah State men's basketball by providing resources for recruiting, coaches' salaries, and operational support.

Commitments to the Blue A Society have been exceptional over the past several months. Nearly 40 investors have already committed their support for the program, including President Noelle & John Cockett, Vice President/Director of Athletics John & Heather Hartwell, Head Men's Basketball Coach Craig & Darcy Smith, and Head Football Coach Matt & Jen Wells.

"The investment that these university leaders have made in the Blue A Society is a reflection of their commitment to the athletic and academic success of Utah State Athletics and 400 student-athletes," said Assistant Vice President and Deputy Director of Athletics Coleman Barnes. "I am not aware of this level of investment being made by the president, athletic director, football coach, and men's basketball coach at any other institution in college athletics. We hope that it will motivate other USU alumni and friends to rally around the Blue A Society and elevate USU Athletics to new heights."

More than $1.5 million has been raised since the silent phase of fundraising efforts began this past spring. The following list shows current investors in the Blue A Society:

Kent & Donna Alder
Lane & Whitney Blake
James & Heather Bohm
Mark & Misty Bond
Noelle & John Cockett
Ed & Lisa Fisher / Fisher Home Furnishings
Michael & Jo Frankland
Tom & Renee Grimmett
Kirk & Sue Ann Hansen
John & Heather Hartwell
L. Dwight & Jill Israelsen
Avery & Irasema Jeffers
Randy & Marcia Jensen
Dee Jones
Nick & Stef Jones
Marty & Betsy Judd
Blake & Dove Kirby
Dave & Barbara Kragthorpe
Jim & Carol Laub / Cache Valley Electric
Mike & Melanie Lemon
Carl & Mary Sue Lundahl
Dave & Myrna Miller
Steve & Diane Mothersell
Ray & Shelley Olsen
Ron & Mike Poindexter / Poindexter Nut Company
Mike & Anna Rice
Scott & Jodi Richins
Al & Michelene Salvo
Chris & Doreen Seibert
Dennis & Lynn Sessions
Craig & Darcy Smith
Mike & Suzie Stones
Lane & Annette Thomas
Matt & Jen Wells
Tom & Patty Willis
Bret & Chalisa Wursten
Fred & Haleen Zweifel

For more information on the Blue A Society, CLICK HERE