Donations: Earl Sauder announced a $1.25 million donation to the Emporia State University athletics program December 1. The gift, the largest ever to the Hornets athletics department, is thought to be the greatest single donation to be earmarked for scholarships in Division II history. Sauder has been a long-time supporter of the university and the athletics program in particular. He has supported several other Emporia State projects, including the construction of the Sauder Alumni Center, the Earl Sauder President's Box in the Hutchinson Family Pavilion and the purchase of The Earl Center, which houses several programs connected to The Teachers College. "We are extremely grateful to Earl for his continued generosity," said Emporia State President Kay Schallenkamp. "Unlike many large gifts in athletics that go toward brick-and-mortar projects, this donation will directly benefit student-athletes. This gift will keep Emporia State athletics at the forefront of the MIAA and Division II. Sauder said: "I didn't get to attend college, so I didn't get to participate in athletics. But I see how important athletics can be for young people, and I wanted to make sure Emporia State can keep getting good young men and women here to play. I enjoy watching the games, and I think it's a spectator's duty to support local schools. I saw the need for scholarships, and I tried to help out." Earnings from the Earl W. Sauder Student-Athlete Scholars Program Fund will be divided among the 15-sport intercollegiate athletics program at Emporia State.

Facilities: Molloy College recently announced a partnership between the institution and Village of Rockville Centre that will allow Molloy student-athletes to use the newly renovated playing fields in Rockville Centre. The arrangement will make possible the addition of a women's lacrosse team that will begin play in the 2005-06 season. The Dean G. Skelos Sports Complex will contain two synthetic surfaces that will be used for men's and women's lacrosse and soccer. "The expansion of our athletics department is a mark of great things for the college," said Harry Herman, Molloy athletics director. "The creation of a women's lacrosse team demonstrates to our current students and to potential students that Molloy is responsive to their needs and ready to take action."

Sports sponsorship: Adelphi University announced that it has added women's bowling as a varsity sport for the 2004-05 academic year. It will be the school's 17th sport. "We are excited about the addition of women's bowling," said Athletics Director Robert Hartwell. "It's a great sport for both men and women, although at Adelphi, we are using it as a women's sport to increase our sponsorship." Sandy Kapatos, also the men's lacrosse coach, will coach the new bowling team. The lacrosse team has earned four Division II championships in six appearances ... Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announced December 1 that it hopes to reinstate its men's golf program. Athletics Director Brad Hewitt said that funding for the team will be external, similar to the model being used by the Friends of Wrestling. The institution's wrestling program was to be eliminated after the 2003-04 season, but supporters and alumni enabled it to continue through private contributions ... Armstrong Atlantic State University will sponsor women's golf as a varsity sport starting with the 2005 season. Current men's coach Michael Butler will coach the team, which will play at Southbridge Golf Club in Savannah. "Women's golf may be the most natural fit for our expanding intercollegiate athletics program," said Athletics Director Eddie Aenchbacher. "Partnered with our highly successful men's program, there is no reason that the Lady Pirate golf squad can't be equally successful on a national level."

Milestones: Quincy University women's basketball coach Larry Just won his 100th career game with a 56-44 victory over the University of Missouri, St. Louis, December 4. Just has spent his eight-year career at Quincy.

Miscellaneous: The New York Collegiate Athletic Conference had a good run in fall championships. The Adelphi women's soccer team reached the women's final four, while the Dowling College men reached the same round. In addition, the Queens College (New York) women's volleyball team advanced to the Elite Eight ... The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Delta State University recently raised $1,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, exceeding its goal by $700.

-- Compiled by David Pickle