About the Fund
The Kurt M. Golder Men's Gymnastics Legacy Fund honors a legendary coach while securing the future of gymnastics excellence.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To preserve and sustain the Men's Gymnastics program by building a robust alumni-driven network focused on increasing long-term financial support through donations, pledges, and planned gifts, with the ultimate goal of fully endowing the program's operating expenses, coaching salaries, and scholarships.
Our Vision
A fully endowed Men's Gymnastics program that thrives in perpetuity, providing future generations of student-athletes with elite athletic opportunities and a world-class education, while serving as a model for preserving Olympic sports in collegiate athletics.
Financial Goal
Our goal is to raise $40 million in total endowment funds, broken down into three prioritized categories:
Operating Expenses
~$15–18M
Coaching Salaries
~$10–12M
Scholarships
~$10–12M
Our priority is to focus on Operating Expenses and Coaching Salaries to ensure basic program survival and athletic department support.
The Legacy of Kurt M. Golder
For over two decades, Kurt M. Golder has been the driving force behind the Men's Gymnastics program, transforming it into one of the most successful collegiate gymnastics programs in the nation. Under his leadership, the team has captured multiple NCAA Championships and produced numerous Olympians and national team members.
Coach Golder's impact extends far beyond competitive success. His commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both in the gym and in the classroom has created a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the program. His mentorship has shaped the lives of hundreds of young men, instilling values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork that serve them long after their gymnastics careers conclude.
The Kurt M. Golder Men's Gymnastics Legacy Fund was established to honor this remarkable legacy and ensure that future generations of gymnasts will benefit from the same opportunities and experiences that have defined the program's success.
A Coaching Legacy
- ✓Head Coach, Men's Gymnastics (1996-2021)
- ✓4 NCAA Team Championships (1999, 2010, 2013, 2014)
- ✓11 Big Ten Championships
- ✓5-time NCAA Coach of the Year
- ✓Coached 14 individual NCAA Champions
- ✓Mentored 4 Olympians and numerous World Championship team members
Organizational Structure
The Gym Legacy – Alumni Engagement Workgroup is a standalone alumni-driven nonprofit focused on building engagement and securing long-term financial support for the Men's Gymnastics program.
Core Purpose
To serve as the bridge between the Men's Gymnastics alumni network and the Development team, leading grassroots outreach, alumni mobilization, and storytelling—while Development formally executes the legal and financial aspects of donations and endowment agreements.
Leadership Roles & Responsibilities
Executive Director / Chair
Oversees the overall strategy and coordination of the Work-group. Serves as the primary liaison between alumni, Development, and stakeholders.
Development Liaison Chair
Works closely with the Athletics Development team. Facilitates introductions between potential donors and Development. Tracks progress on pledges and works to ensure alignment with policies.
Alumni Outreach Chair
Leads the effort to identify, locate, and engage all living alumni (including building a new contact database). Organizes outreach campaigns and supports alumni events.
Engagement & Events Chair
Plans and executes events (virtual and in-person), coordinates the Decade Captain system, and oversees communications such as newsletters and social media outreach.
Marketing & Media Chair
Develops the public-facing materials (website, newsletters, social campaigns). Oversees branding and storytelling about the program's impact and legacy.
Program Historian / Legacy Archivist
Compiles and curates historical information, team rosters, media archives, and alumni records dating back to the 1960s. Works with the Bentley Library, past team members, and other archival sources to rebuild and preserve the program's history.
Advisory Board
Includes high-impact alumni, donors, former coaches, and key connectors. Meets quarterly or semi-annually to provide strategic guidance and leverage networks.
Key Notes on Structure and Strategy
- •No financial handling by the nonprofit. All donations, pledges, and gifts are formally processed through the Development office, which houses the endowment.
- •The Work-group is an enabler, not a processor. It educates, connects, and mobilizes, but does not take legal responsibility for handling funds.
- •Database building is critical. Due to privacy laws and policy, all contact information must be independently acquired, verified, and maintained by the Work-group.
Join Us in Building This Legacy
Your support of the Kurt M. Golder Men's Gymnastics Legacy Fund will help ensure that the program continues to set the standard for excellence in collegiate gymnastics for generations to come.