Christine J. Toretti, president and chief executive officer of S.W. Jack Drilling of Indiana, Pennsylvania, has committed $100,000 to the NCAA Foundation in support of scholarships for student-athletes participating in the annual NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference.

Toretti is a graduate of the University of Virginia and president of the largest land-based drilling company in North America. She is recognized as an innovative leader in the oil and gas industry and also is committed to the advancement and support of women.

In particular, she has created and fostered retreats for female CEOs.

"I hope this gift will enable many deserving student-athletes to participate in the Leadership Conference," Toretti said. "It is important for all of our young people to understand the importance of fair play and also to encourage their taking on leadership responsibilities."

The gift will be established as a permanent endowed fund to provide financial assistance to student-athletes to attend each year's Leadership Conference.

The Leadership Conference consists of about 300 to 400 outstanding student-athletes selected from colleges and universities across the country. They attend an intensive four-day conference where they learn the values of teamwork and leadership. They then return to their campuses to lead other students in support of community activities.

Toretti's gift is the largest endowment commitment made to the Foundation and is one of the larger gifts made to the Foundation by an individual donor.

"The NCAA Foundation is fortunate to have the support of Chris Toretti," said Foundation President Marion Peavey. "Her generous commitment will benefit many student-athletes for years to come."