Media Advisory: Clawson era starts with $5 million in gifts for football

His gift brings the total amount raised for Wake Forest Football to $5 million since the launch of Wake Will: The Campaign for Wake Forest in October, demonstrating significant momentum for a new era in Wake Forest football under Coach Dave Clawson.

“We are grateful for Alan’s generous gift, which will inspire excellence in our student-athletes and positively affect the entire University,” said President Nathan O. Hatch. “Philanthropic investments in our flagship athletic programs can have benefits on the playing field and in the classroom alike, generating additional resources, improving our national reputation, and boosting school pride.”

Specifically, Fox’s gift will allow Wake Forest to start the design process for a new sports performance center, including space for coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms and other player areas. The plans are designed to improve upon the current Bob McCreary Strength and Conditioning Center with a new facility that can accommodate not only football, but also the training needs of more than 350 student-athletes that compete in 18 sports. The facility will also enhance the nutrition program for Wake Forest student-athletes. Additional information will be forthcoming.

The announcement of Fox’s gift comes just one day after Wake Forest welcomed 26 football prospective student-athletes who have signed a National Letter of Intent.

“Providing the Sports Performance Center to prepare our athletes to compete at the highest level is paramount. Our plans for this facility will allow us to provide critical resources and support services for our student-athletes and will significantly enhance our recruiting efforts,” said Director of Athletics Ron Wellman. “Alan’s gift helps make our vision one step closer to reality.”

Fox, Chairman and CEO of Vacations To Go, one of the largest online U.S. travel agencies, earned his bachelor of arts and master of business administration degrees from Wake Forest in 1979 and 1981, respectively. He and his wife, Karen, have been longtime supporters of the University and the Athletics Department. Their son, Christopher, graduated from Wake Forest in 2012.

“This is a very exciting time for Wake Forest football and I am happy to be able to lend my support. I believe in Dave Clawson and think he will be a tremendous football coach at Wake Forest,” said Fox. “I am impressed with Ron Wellman’s vision for state-of-the-art training facilities and believe they will be a great recruiting tool in the future. They will benefit not only the football team, but all student-athletes at Wake Forest.”

About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.