Supporting SOU's Student-Athletes
Fundraising for Southern Oregon University athletics operates as a part of the SOU Foundation. The majority of funds raised goes to scholarships for the over 450student-athletes at Southern Oregon University, while other funds are raised for facilities, travel and gear.
A member of the NAIA, SOU Athletics epitomizes the term "small college athletics" as no student-athlete at SOU receives a full-ride scholarship. Student-athletes receive on average $1,200 in athletic aid. Despite this, the Raiders annually finish as one of the top overall athletic departments in the NAIA and have higher retention and graduation rates than the general student-body at SOU.
The Lithia/Raider Club Golf Shootout takes place every Fall and is the single biggest annual fundraiser at SOU. Ran by the SOU Athletic Department and Lithia Motors, the event brought in over $350,000 in 2014 and since 2010 has brought in over $1.1 million for scholarships to SOU student-athletes.
The Raider Club Scholarship Dinner and Auction takes place every Spring and features a live auction, silent auction and a scholarship ask. Spearheaded by longtime Raider Club member John Schweiger, the event is responsible for over $1 million for scholarships for SOU student-athletes since 2002.
