Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra Athletics Department is excited to announce that James C. Metzger ’83, has committed $1.5 million to support Hofstra Athletics. Metzger’s leadership support marks the largest gift in the history of Hofstra Athletics. Metzger, a men’s lacrosse All-American in 1980 and a current member of the Pride Club board of directors, has generously supported Hofstra Athletics since reconnecting with the University in 2007. His contribution will establish a men’s lacrosse program endowment as well as support the capital improvement fund, which benefits all 17 sports.
“Jim’s generosity to Hofstra Athletics in recent years has helped to elevate the men and women’s lacrosse programs to an elite level,” noted Director of Athletics Jack Hayes. “This most recent and generous gift will provide long term support for the program he represented as a student-athlete as well as fund important facility projects and improvements that will directly impact all of our student-athletes.”
Metzger’s seven-figure funding will not only provide significant support for the athletics programs but also serve as yet another positive step forward in the University’s ongoing efforts to bolster major gift support from alumni, parents and friends in order to continue to provide a first-class educational experience for its students.
“Jim Metzger’s leadership and commitment to Hofstra Athletics has always been evident and will help guarantee that our student-athletes, in all 17 sports, will be able to train, compete and succeed at the highest levels," said Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz. "On behalf of the entire University community, I thank Jim for his generous support and I trust that his gift will prove to be a catalyst for more alumni and friends to make gifts in his spirit.”
“I am both fortunate and elated to make this pledge to my alma mater,” commented Jim Metzger. “I certainly appreciate the way in which Hofstra has strengthened its brand academically and in its athletic programs. It is a first-class academic institution with first-class athletics.”
Metzger added, “I am thrilled my gift will have a significant impact at the University and I hope this commitment speaks to my total support of Hofstra. I am proud to be associated with Hofstra University and I am proud to be a leader in terms of supporting the institution.”
Metzger is Chairman, CEO and founder of the The Whitmore Group, Ltd., a leading insurance brokerage and financial services firm with headquarters in Garden City, New York.
Metzger has been quite supportive to Hofstra over the past several years, contributing funds to renovate the men’s and women’s lacrosse locker rooms and to make possible the Traditions Project – a history of the men and women’s lacrosse and football programs. His support also carries over to the academic side of campus as he has endowed a summer internship program within the Center for Civic Engagement in honor of his history professor, current faculty member, Michael D’Innocenzo.