INDIANA, Pa. - The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) athletics department will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX's passage into law with a fundraising effort called "50 for 50."

The landmark legislation of Title IX was passed on June 23, 1972, and prohibited discrimination based on sex across all federally funded education programs. In addition to providing several new opportunities for women, Title IX is best known for creating a pathway for female athletes and transforming women's sports throughout the country. 

To honor successes of our female student-athletes - both past and present - the goal of the campaign is to generate $50,000 in support over a 50-day period beginning on June 9. Supporters are encouraged to give to an individual women's program or to the general female athletic fund. 

"The passage of Title IX has given our female student-athletes the opportunity to compete, succeed, and build bright futures," said IUP director of athletics Todd Garzarelli. "The women of IUP athletics are an asset to the campus and Indiana communities, and their impact on the future of this department is endless. By supporting this campaign, you allow for the growth of these opportunities for our female student-athletes, and you aid in the development of our entire athletics department."

"Having the opportunity to coach at my alma mater has been one of the most humbling and exciting moments I have ever experienced in my career," said IUP women's lacrosse head coach Brenna Gallagher. "As a former female student-athlete at IUP, it gave me so much more than wins and losses. I became a stronger, more confident woman and was empowered by my coach, fellow teammates, and fellow athletes.

"As the head coach of the women's lacrosse program, I want every single one of my athletes to have the best experience possible," continued Gallagher. "The resources for women's programs need to continue to improve for these athletes to have success on the field, in the classroom, and an overall amazing experience. Title XI needs to continue to be celebrated, but we also need to educate all athletes - both female and male - on what it stands for and what it has provided. I am thrilled that we are pushing this campaign to raise awareness as well as create an opportunity for our athletes to have a better experience as athletes at IUP." 

Your support and commitment to the "50 for 50" campaign allows the IUP athletic department to provide a premier student-athlete experience with championship-level resources necessary to compete in the field of play, in the classroom, and in our community. To support, please click here.

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