Anonymous donor gives WCSU tennis teams advantage

The unnamed donor to the men’s and women’s tennis teams is a Western graduate of the class of 1981. He prefers to keep his identity quiet for good reason: giving back is not about him; it’s about the students and the sports he loves.

For the past four years, the anonymous donation has provided extras for the teams, such as team jackets, and helped defray transportation costs. 

“Although you play as a team, tennis is an individual sport, and you are chosen to represent your school in a very visible fashion,” he said. “This should be done with dignity and pride. A good attitude is key, and wearing team apparel helps boost that sense of pride.”

This donor’s contributions are not confined to WCSU. Along with coaching, he mentors in the Danbury school system, which is encouraged by his workplace, and one young man he has mentored has become a part of his extended family. “I just want to give back to the kids in the community with the hope that they will do the same for others in the future.”

He has a message for those who are skeptical about donating to the university’s Annual Fund: “What are your passions in life? Think about it as a donation to the well-being of your interest. Everyone has fluctuations in finances; just because you can give one day, you aren’t forced to give when you can’t. If you get people in the habit of being philanthropic, they’ll come back on their own.”