To mark UC Merced’s entry into National Collegiate Athletics Association NCAA Division II competition, the university is launching the Bobcat Club – an initiative designed to support scholar-athletes and the campus’s elevated level of intercollegiate sports.
The Bobcat Club will represent a network of alumni, families and fans committed to the holistic development of scholar-athletes at UC Merced. In addition to providing much-needed resources to promising Bobcats pursuing their athletic and academic goals, club members will be part of a platform for community connection and impact.
Every donation designated to the Bobcat Club will directly support the scholar-athlete experience, with giving levels and benefits available for contributions across all tiers. To help fuel UC Merced Athletics’ long-term success, Bobcat Club members can allocate their gifts to the Bobcat Excellence Fund or directly contribute to one of the university’s 12 athletic programs.
UC Merced is also introducing the Director’s Society, an elite giving program for leadership donors. This initiative will provide access to exclusive team experiences and athletic events, with the goal of encouraging higher levels of engagement for the Bobcats’ top supporters.
Beyond the Bobcat Club, university donors passionate about elevating UC Merced Athletics can support capital projects that fund new or upgraded training and performance facilities. These strategic investments help ensure UC Merced meets the standards of top-tier collegiate competition and create spaces that energize campus life while fostering stronger ties with the surrounding community.
Bobcat scholar-athlete alumni also have the option to participate in the Locker Legacy program and leave a lasting impact by naming a locker in the men’s or women’s soccer, basketball or volleyball locker rooms.
“Our mission is to enhance and support the student-athlete experience,” Executive Director of Recreation and Athletics David Dunham said. “We are proud that the greater UC Merced community shares our commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.”
In Division II, the university is joining nearly 300 colleges and universities nationwide that maintain a balance of academic achievement and athletic competition. These institutions are known for advancing competitive athletics while prioritizing student success.
Exemplifying UC Merced’s commitment to student excellence in all areas is the university’s status as one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation among NCAA Division II institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. UC Merced’s academic distinction, paired with its philanthropic focus on awarding athletic scholarships, will be leveraged to attract and retain elite student-athletes from across the region and beyond.
Starting this season, UC Merced will compete in the prestigious California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), widely regarded as the nation’s premier NCAA Division II conference. With five member institutions located within 150 miles of campus, the conference offers intense regional rivalries and several opportunities for local fan engagement.
“Athletics has long been an area of interest for our supporters, and now with the Bobcat Club and our move to the NCAA, donors can directly support our scholar-athletes and championship-winning athletic programs,” Vice Chancellor and Chief External Relations Officer E. Edward Klotzbier said. “There’s never been a better time to support Bobcat Athletics!”
Visit www.ucmercedbobcatclub.com to learn more about Bobcat Club and other ways to support UC Merced Athletics.
Public Information Officer
