General | November 16, 2021

PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania announced today an incredible $2.5 million leadership gift from Gail Underwood Rogers CW'73, WGR'75 and H. Elliott Rogers, Jr., C'72, WG'75, underscoring their enduring commitment to Penn Track & Field/Cross Country. A portion of the Rogers' gift will endow the track oval inside Franklin Field, which will be named the Rogers - O'Hern Lyons Oval/Track.  Additionally, the gift will provide funding to the James P. Tuppeny Men's Track and Field Endowment and the Rogers Family Assistant Coach Endowment at the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics.
 
In making this gift, Elliott Rogers, a member of the University of Pennsylvania Athletics Board of Advisors and Penn Athletics Track & Field Sports Board, and his wife, Gail, recognized the impact world-class facilities have on the student-athlete experience. Not only will their gift support the two coach endowments established by the Rogers, but it will also transform and provide critical funding to maintain the track oval inside Franklin Field. The Rogers recognize the need to prioritize the long-term financial health of the track program and to give Penn an edge for future decades of competition.
 
"Ever since Gail and I endowed the track & field head coaching position 20 years ago, we have been focused on both establishing and growing a meaningful endowment for the program—something that will both enhance the program and provide financial stability going forward," said Rogers. "Working with Kate O'Hern Lyons, we have been able to materially broaden alumni participation across the Penn Track & Field endowment portfolio, something that will pay huge dividends in the future. Finally, this follow-on gift is a vote of confidence in Steve Dolan, his incredibly talented coaching staff as well as in Penn's new director of athletics and recreation, Dr. Alanna W. Shanahan, C'96 and Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Tim Folan."
 
Alanna W. Shanahan, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr., W'69, Director of Athletics and Recreation, emphasized the critical importance of endowments in the success of collegiate athletics. "Through the steadfast support of Elliott and Gail Rogers, our track & field/cross country program is set up for success today, tomorrow, and well into the future," said Shanahan. "This gift is part of a long line of generosity from Elliott and Gail and armors Penn Track & Field/Cross Country with the resources needed to provide our coaches and student-athletes with an unrivaled experience. Our student-athletes will have the opportunity to train and compete in Franklin Field for years to come and we are incredibly grateful to Elliott and Gail for their commitment to Penn Athletics and their incredible support."
 
"I am constantly in awe and so appreciative of all the support that Elliott and Gail have provided for our program," said the James P. Tuppeny/Betty J. Costanza Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Steve Dolan. "Their commitment to the track & field/cross country program is unparalleled and their generosity has had a major impact on so many lives. They embody the mission of Penn Athletics and value providing our student-athletes with the best resources possible. We are extremely thankful for all their support."
 
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The University of Pennsylvania Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics (DRIA) … is a broad-based division comprised of 33 intercollegiate teams, 37 club sport teams, and expansive intramural sport and campus recreation programs, all taking place within 22 athletics and recreational facilities. Students, faculty, and staff are also served through membership-based access to the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center, ranked #2 nationally this year, the Fox Fitness Center and access to a variety of shared facilities. The facilities are contained within a contiguous 24-acre footprint at the eastern end of campus, commonly thought to be one of the best athletics infrastructures among urban campuses, with assets such as Franklin Field, The Palestra, and Penn Park.
 
The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740, is an Ivy League institution with a distinctive past. Its 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools are located in Philadelphia on an attractive urban campus that serves a diverse community of more than 20,000 students from throughout the nation and around the world.  Ranked consistently among the top universities in the nation, Penn has a longstanding reputation for excellence in graduate and professional education.