University of St. Thomas Athletics
Campaign announces $1million challenge for Tommie Women's Athletics
9/21/2026 10:00:00 AM | Athletics, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Hockey, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Track & Field, Volleyball
ST. PAUL, MINN. - Building on the momentum of Be Brilliant. Be Bold. The Campaign for St. Thomas, Tommie Athletics announced today a historic opportunity to accelerate the future of women's athletics at the University of St. Thomas, thanks to a $1 million challenge gift from Tom Schultz '71 and Ann Gray Harvey.
Schultz and Harvey have generously committed $1 million to launch a challenge gift, designed to inspire additional philanthropic support for Tommie women's athletics throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
The challenge represents an opportunity to put the vision of Be Brilliant. Be Bold. into action by investing in the people and programs that are shaping the future of Tommie Athletics. Gifts supporting women's athletics through operational support, scholarships, and other program priorities can help maximize the impact of this extraordinary challenge.
Whether through a gift today, a multi-year commitment, or a planned gift, donors have an opportunity to join Tom and Ann Gray in investing in the future of Tommie women's athletics.
Tom says, "We support women's athletics at St. Thomas because we believe the skills learned through sport are essential to developing well-rounded students who will go on to become leaders and critical thinkers in our society. We hope our support inspires others to invest in this same mission and help create opportunities for the next generation of Tommie female student-athletes."
The challenge comes at a pivotal time for St. Thomas Athletics. As the Tommies continue to build their presence on the national stage, women's programs are contributing to the momentum across the department—competing at the Division I level, developing student-athletes and leaders, and representing St. Thomas across the country.
"We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of Tom and Ann Gray," says Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Phil Esten. "They have been steadfast partners since the beginning of our transition, and now, as we embark on this exciting next chapter for Tommie Athletics and the Be Brilliant, Be Bold Campaign, they are once again at the forefront, helping us move this vision forward."
The $1 million challenge gift builds on the Tommie Athletic Fund's commitment to providing student-athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to excel in competition, in the classroom, and beyond. Together, these investments will help shape the next chapter of Tommie Athletics and the future of its women's programs.
To learn more about supporting Tommie women's athletics, visit Tommie Athletic Fund - The University of St. Thomas or contact the Tommie Athletic Fund at tommieathleticfund@stthomas.edu.
