BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University Athletics is proud to announce a significant gift from Susan Conn-McCurry ('82) and Roger McCurry. The generous gift of $75,000 was made in support of the LU women's basketball team.
 
The McCurrys have committed $75,000 to the Women's Basketball Competitive Excellence Campaign, establishing the Conn-McCurry Family Challenge. In addition to their commitment, the McCurrys hope their gift will inspire others to invest in the future of Lamar Women's Basketball.
 
"We cannot thank Susan and Roger enough for their continued support of Lamar University," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff O'Malley. "We are not only excited to announce this generous gift but truly humbled by the continuing support of the Conn-McCurry family. Due to their generosity, we can provide our student-athletes with every possible advantage on the court and in the classroom. Over the years, Susan and Roger have proven they care about more just wins but the growth of the individual student-athlete. The on-going success of this department would not be possible without Susan and Roger."
 
Susan and Roger's support of Lamar athletics spans many years, including a transformative gift in 2015 that funded the videoboard inside the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. Their connection to Lamar and its student-athletes remains as strong as ever.
 
"I first became involved with Lamar women's basketball in 2015 after receiving a call from Norman Bellard asking for help," said Susan Conn-McCurry. "Norman and I became great friends through our Lamar connection, and of course I wanted to support my alma mater. I had never attended a Lamar women's basketball game before then, but I would challenge anyone to get to just one game and they'll be hooked. Roger and I love helping whenever we can because we want these student-athletes to be successful on the court and in the classroom. When you get to know these young women, you will love them.
 
"Coach Aqua Franklin does a fantastic job leading this program. It is important that all of us invest in these student-athletes and provide the resources they need to succeed. Some of my greatest memories have come from building relationships with our players, and I have remained in touch with many of them long after their playing careers ended," added Conn-McCurry.
 
The Competitive Excellence Campaign is focused on providing the resources necessary to recruit, retain and develop championship-caliber student-athletes while enhancing opportunities that support their success throughout their Lamar experience.
 
"We are incredibly grateful for Roger and Susan Conn's generous investment in our women's basketball program and continued support of Lamar University," said LU head women's basketball coach Aqua Franklin. "Their generosity goes far beyond a donation; it reflects a belief in our student-athletes, our vision, and the impact we strive to make both on and off the court. We thank them both for being steadfast supporters in our journey and for helping us continue to build something special.
 
"We hope the continued success of our program and the growth of our student-athletes serve as a testament to the meaningful impact of your gifts and inspire others to invest in what we are building here at Lamar. Every contribution helps create opportunities, strengthen our foundation, and move our program and university forward. Your support truly makes a difference," added Franklin.
 
Cardinal Nation is encouraged to participate in the Conn-McCurry Family Challenge by making a gift to the Women's Basketball Competitive Excellence Campaign. Contributions made during the challenge period will be matched, effectively doubling the impact of each gift in support of women's basketball.
 
To make a gift and double your impact please click HERE.