BEAUMONT, Texas – With just a handful of championships remaining in the 2018-19 academic calendar, the Lamar University athletics department is already planning for the upcoming season. Part of the those plans include simplifying the membership structure of the Cardinal Club.
                                                                                                                                   
The Big Red membership level has been adjusted to $500-$999 (formerly $400-$799). The Cardinal level will now be $1,000-$2,499 (formerly $1,000-$1,999) and the Silver level will start at $2,500 and go up to $4,999 (formerly $2,000-$4,999). The All-Conference level ($800-$999) will be eliminated. LU is also adjusting the membership year to run from Sept. 1^st through Aug. 31^st, which is concurrent with the university's fiscal year. LU has also added the Young Alumni level, which will be $25 for the first year. Members of the Young Alumni level will receive all the benefits as the Letter Winner Level. The Young Alumni is available up to five years after graduation.
 
In addition to the adjusted levels, LU will be offering two challenges to members – the 110% Challenge and the Next Level Challenge. Coaches and athletes commonly use the phrase "giving 110 percent," and LU is encouraging members to do the same with their giving from the 2018-19 academic year. Members are also encouraged to increase giving to reach the next membership level.
 
LU is also creating the Lettermen's Club which is a new initiative geared toward all former LU lettermen. It costs only $35 per year and that fee includes an LU polo, a monthly lettermen's newsletter and invitations to special events. All previous LU athletes are invited to join.
 
"I know I speak for our coaches and student-athletes when I express our sincere appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifice on the part of our Cardinal Club," said LU Director of Athletics Marco Born. "To be able to continue and grow upon the successes we've already had, we must continue to grow the Cardinal Club. We strive toward the goal of helping our student-athletes to be champions in the competition arena, champions in the classroom and champions in the community."
 
The fundraising arm for Cardinal athletics, the Cardinal Club was founded in 1969. Through the generosity of Cardinal Club members, LU athletics annually supports the academic and athletic pursuits of more than 400 student-athletes. An investment in the Cardinal Club helps provide our student-athletes with the tools and support they need to be successful in all aspects of their life. The Cardinals helps support the continues growth of Cardinal athletics and future student-athletes.