Do you want to know where your money is going? As athletics marketing and development coordinator, I am here to answer that question for you.

My name is Kelly Casperson. I'm a former athlete and student at Juniata. Immediately following graduation, I started working in the athletic department. My main focus is to revitalize the J-Club. My first thoughts were: how can I make J-Club better and how can I make this program something people want to be part of?

When I started this position, J-Club members received an informative, yet somewhat overwhelming newsletter. I have completed an overhaul of the newsletter, which I hope is easier to read and is more aesthetically pleasing.

Currently, receiving the newsletter and the pleasure of supporting the athletic program are the benefits of being a J-Club member. Still, I believe when you call something a membership, there should be some additional recognition rewards. So, this year I'm planning a student-athlete and coach “meet-and-greet,” in order to thank J-Club members for all of their gracious support. The gathering will provide an opportunity for coaches and athletes to get together and thank the donors for all they have done for the program.

An additional step in reimagining the J-Club will establish clear communication to members through newsletters and personal thank-you letters. We will detail where J-Club donations are going. The unrestricted J-Club donations go to many programs. It pays for the end-of-the-year awards banquet for all of the athletes, the Hall of Fame ceremony and dinner, the awards the student athletes and coaches receive, the championship banners, and the display portraits in the gym. Unrestricted J-Club dollars provide convenience, because we can place them where they are needed the most.

Of course, J-Club members also can make a donation directly to an athletic team. These donations are just as crucial as the unrestricted gifts. The donations go toward travel, safety-rated equipment, uniforms, food, recruiting, and publications. The restricted dollars help relieve some of the stress that is placed on the coaches when faced with budget issues.

I realize you are probably thinking “I know all of this, but why should I give to the J-Club?” From my experience as a student athlete, I can assure you that coaches work very hard to make sure the teams have good equipment, travel safely, and sufficient training to build athletic and personal strength.

I remember the sheer joy of competing at Juniata College, and I'm sure many former Juniata athletes can share similar memories. When you donate to the J-Club you add to the joy and competitive spirit in all the student-athletes on campus.

By initiating better communication with J-Club donors, I believe giving to the J-Club is rewarding because you can see your money at work and receive satisfaction from knowing you made it possible for that student-athlete to successfully compete.