HobbsDailyReport.com
HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University is merging with its longstanding boosters club – the Piedmont Educational Foundation (Bears Club) — school officials said in a press release.
Founded in 1946, the Bears Club has served as the official booster club of LRU athletics for more than 70 years. It has also served as an essential resource to the development and success of LRU’s 22 intercollegiate athletic programs.
“This is a huge step forward for Lenoir-Rhyne University in positioning ourselves to move our intercollegiate athletics program to an even higher level of excellence,” Fred Whitt, LRU’s president, said in the release. “We aspire to be nationally competitive in all of our programs and lead our conference athletically and academically.
“Our athletic program will be fully integrated into Lenoir-Rhyne’s strategic plan, which includes future fundraising campaigns. We look forward to growing the Bears Club membership to record levels.
“The outstanding leadership of past and present board members and officers have been and will continue to be critical to our success.”
The Bears Club has been instrumental in raising athletic scholarships through annual membership drives and other fundraising events, including a golf tournament honoring one of the school’s late athletic directors, Hanley Painter.
The club has also played a role in LRU’s homecoming gala, a spring raffle and a casino night, and its football tailgate and hospitality have become a signature element of the membership and game day experience.