Dear Purple Eagles,

As we progress through the spring semester on Monteagle Ridge and the championship season for our winter sports is upon us, we know that Niagara University's alumni and supporters are filled with anticipation. On behalf of our coaches and student-athletes, we thank you for the engagement and passion.

We also know that the evolution of Division I Athletics is top of mind.  With this new era of modernization for intercollegiate sports playing out across the media, many have asked about the impact on Niagara Athletics.

Despite the changes, uncertainty, and opportunity, I am pleased to share that our focus remains steadfast.  The priority for Division I Athletics is to elevate the profile of Niagara University and the primary way to accomplish that goal is through successful athletics programs.

Inherent in supplying a successful program is providing the best possible student-athlete experience.  The elements that comprise that experience are broadening and it is incumbent on our athletics department, University, and our ardent supporters to understand and help Niagara thrive in this new environment.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has brought new opportunities for student-athletes to profit from their personal brand.  Niagara's student-athletes are benefiting from this entrepreneurial initiative while navigating the framework established by the NCAA and state laws.

Today, I am excited to introduce Fly Purple Eagles, a collective that has been established to benefit student-athletes through NIL.  This collective brings together supporters and businesses to provide marketing opportunities that will directly compensate Niagara's student-athletes.

Former members of the University's Board of Trustees have partnered with other passionate leaders to spearhead this collective. I am thankful to these individuals – including Rocco Surace, class of '77, Brian Mylod, class of '68, Jim Hart, class of '69, among others – for establishing this critical venture as it enables Niagara Athletics to stay foremost in this new era.

I invite you to visit FlyPurpleEagles.com and learn more about its purpose and ways that you can be involved.  I, along with our coaches, fully support this effort because your contributions to the collective helps meet the expectations of the current and future landscape, ensuring the rich tradition of Division I Athletics at Niagara lives on. You can also contact the leadership of the collective through the web site.

While announcing the collective is incredibly important in our efforts of maintaining a competitive athletics program, it is not directly giving to Niagara University. 

Continued investment in the athletics department, its Division I programs, and the University remains vital. Whether you are considering a Purple & White Club gift for any of our 19 Division I teams, your philanthropic support is essential to the present and future of Niagara Athletics.  The cost of business continues to rise and we need your support and investment as we move forward. Donations to Division I Athletics can be made by contacting Steven Maciejewski, Athletics Advancement Officer, at 716-286-8792 or on-line by clicking HERE.

Thank you for taking time to consider helping Niagara offer the best possible experience for our 350+ Division I student-athletes.  We intend to remain a primary source of pride for this institution and are forever grateful for those that assist in making that happen.

For the Glory of Niagara,


Simon Gray
Associate Vice President of Athletics