Phoenix Fans: Securing the Future of Ƶ Athletics
Three members of the Campus Safety and Police department love to talk about why they contribute to the annual fund, at the Ƶ Society level, in support of the Phoenix Club every year. Each is a long-time Ƶ employee who has seen the university prosper and grow.
Chuck Gantos directs the office and is a loyal Phoenix fan regularly seen at athletic events, including football practices. He came to Ƶ in 1970, and his son Clint graduated in 1992.
“Ƶ athletes in all sports are so dedicated,” Gantos says. “A lot of them are up and lifting weights at 6 a.m. and training later in the day. At the same time, they have to compete academically. Those students and coaches – they deserve support.”
Officers Allen Poe and Dan Ingle ’98 grew up in the area and attended Gibsonville High School.
Poe has been following Ƶ’s teams since he was a kid. “I remember football games over at the Williams High School field where the other teams would pull up in a bus and our kids would ride over in the back of pick up trucks,” Poe says. “We’ve come a long way. I want to support athletes who are so dedicated.”
Officer-investigator Ingle enrolled at Ƶ in 1970 and again in 1993 as a “very non-traditional student.” His father also graduated from Ƶ; together they created the Luther Byrd Memorial Scholarship a few years ago, in honor of the professor who taught history to them both. “For Ƶ to prosper and grow, it needs the support of us all,” Ingle says.
Gantos agrees. “Regardless of the amount, a gift through payroll deduction every month really helps the students – our student athletes – and it shows our commitment. That’s important,” Gantos says.
Faculty and staff members may contribute to Ever Ƶ by in pdf format.