Detroit's Team.
Your Move.
Together, we are building the future one gift, one student-athlete, and one championship moment at a time.
What is the Warrior Athletic Fund?
Aspire
The Warrior Athletic Fund is the official philanthropic and engagement arm of Wayne State Athletics, powering the experience, programs, and championship aspirations of more than 400 student-athletes.
Elevate
This is more than a place to give, it's where Tartars, and Warriors unite with one purpose: To elevate Wayne State Athletics and provide our student-athletes with a true championship experience.
Strengthen
Whether you are a loyal alum, a proud family member, or a friend of the university, your generosity fuels scholarships, enhances programs, and strengthens the foundation of Warrior Athletics.
Together, we are building the future, one gift, one student-athlete, and one championship moment at a time.
What we are about
Message from Leadership
At Wayne State Athletics, our mission is clear: to deliver a championship-level experience for our student-athletes while upholding the values that define our university and our city.
Detroit is built on resilience, pride, and an unwavering belief in progress and those same qualities shape our department. Every day, our student-athletes, coaches, and staff compete with discipline, accountability, and purpose. They pursue excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community, proudly representing Wayne State and the city of Detroit.
The Warrior Athletic Fund is essential to advancing that vision. Philanthropy is not supplemental to our success, it is transformational. It fuels opportunity. It strengthens the student-athlete experience. It allows us to invest strategically in facilities, resources, and infrastructure to support our 18 programs and more than 400 student-athletes.
Our focus is forward. We are building a department defined by high standards, strong leadership, and intentional growth. We are investing in people and creating an environment where our student-athletes are prepared to lead and succeed long after their playing days are over.
This momentum is powered by our supporters, partners, alumni, and friends. Your investment in Wayne State Athletics is an investment in the next generation of leaders who embody the grit and determination of Detroit.
We are proud of our progress and even more energized about the future we are building together. Thank you for believing in Wayne State Athletics and for being an essential part of what’s ahead.
Erika Wallace
Director of Athletics
Wayne State University
“Wayne State Athletics reflects the character of Detroit. We work hard, take pride in what we do, and show up for one another. When our alumni, friends, and business community invest in the Warrior Athletic Fund, they give our student-athletes the opportunity to earn an education, compete for championships, and build a future. Every gift makes a difference. Go Warriors!”
Mission Statement
The Warrior Athletic Fund is the official philanthropic and engagement arm of Wayne State Athletics, powering the experience, programs, and championship aspirations of more than 400 student-athletes.
This is more than a place to give; it’s where Tartars and Warriors unite with one purpose: to elevate Wayne State Athletics and provide our student-athletes with a true championship experience.
Whether you are a loyal alum, a proud family member, or a friend of the university, your generosity fuels scholarships, enhances programs, and strengthens the foundation of Warrior Athletics.
Together, we are building the future one gift, one student-athlete, and one championship moment at a time.
Better Together.
Our Priorities
General Athletics
Support Fund
The General Athletic Support Fund provides critical assistance to department-wide initiatives within Wayne State Athletics. Gifts to this fund directly enhance the daily experience of every Warrior student-athlete in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.
Sport-Specific Giving
This is more than a place to give, it's where Tartars, and Warriors unite with one purpose: To elevate Wayne State Athletics and provide our student-athletes with a true championship experience.
The Championship Fund
Whether you are a loyal alum, a proud family member, or a friend of the university, your generosity fuels scholarships, enhances programs, and strengthens the foundation of Warrior Athletics.
We call this The Championship Experience.
Giving that makes an impact
Each student-athlete has a story.
Some are born-and-raised Detroiters, many simply call The Mitten home, and others ventured across America and the world to make a new home in Midtown.
What do they all have in common?
Every one of them chose to be a Wayne State Warrior!
Swipe horizontally to view the full chart, or tap it to open full size.
Ways to Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to make a gift?
Contact a member of the Warrior Athletic Fund development team:
Ken VaughnAssociate Athletic Director for Major Gifts
313-577-4733
kennethvaughn@wayne.eduSamantha Friedbauer
Development Officer
313-577-5368
samfriedbauer@wayne.edu
What are the ways to support Wayne State Athletics?
Your gift can enhance the championship experience for Warrior student-athletes through annual giving, sport-specific giving, endowments, matching gifts, and planned gifts.
How can I make a gift?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to make a gift?
Contact a member of the Warrior Athletic Fund development team:
Ken VaughnAssociate Athletic Director for Major Gifts
313-577-4733
kennethvaughn@wayne.eduSamantha Friedbauer
Development Officer
313-577-5368
samfriedbauer@wayne.edu
What are the ways to support Wayne State Athletics?
Your gift can enhance the championship experience for Warrior student-athletes through annual giving, sport-specific giving, endowments, matching gifts, and planned gifts.
How can I make a gift?
Online
Choose the area you would like to support from the designation options on the giving form.
Give NowBy Mail
Indicate the WSU Athletics initiative your gift will support and mail cash, check, or money order to:
Wayne State Athleticsc/o Warrior Athletic Fund
5101 John C. Lodge
101 Matthaei
Detroit, MI 48202
Stock or Wire Transfer
For stock or wire-transfer instructions, contact Ken Vaughn at 313-577-4733 or kennethvaughn@wayne.edu.
International Gifts
Contact the WSU Office of Gift Processing at 313-577-2263 or fundoffice@lists.wayne.edu.
