DePaul Athletics Expands Support for Basketball Excellence, Introducing the 1908 and 1974 Club
8/6/2025 10:00:00 AM | ATHLETICS, MEN'S BASKETBALL, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
CHICAGO – In the wake of the landmark House v. NCAA settlement approved in June 2025, DePaul Athletics has announced the creation of two new philanthropic funds to help position Blue Demon Basketball for long-term success in a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape.
The Fund for Men's Basketball Excellence and the Doug Bruno Fund for Women's Basketball Excellence will directly support areas now permitted under NCAA guidelines, including NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation. As part of this initiative, DePaul is also launching the 1908 Club, a new recognition society honoring the most impactful supporters of the Fund for Men's Basketball Excellence through exclusive benefits and engagement opportunities.
"This is a defining moment in college athletics. The House settlement represents one of the most significant shifts we've ever seen, and for DePaul to compete and thrive in this new era, we must fully embrace the opportunities now available through NIL and direct support for our student-athletes," said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "The establishment of these funds enables us to do so in a responsible manner, through tax-deductible contributions that go directly to the university. A successful men's and women's basketball program has the power to elevate DePaul's visibility on a national scale, strengthen alumni pride, and create new pathways for engagement across our entire university community."
The 1908 Club—named in honor of the university's first official men's basketball game on January 8, 1908—will recognize the most impactful contributors to the Fund for Men's Basketball Excellence. Similarly, the 1974 Club recognizes those with deep impact for the Doug Bruno Fund for Women's Basketball Excellence. Members for both groups will receive unparalleled access and immersive engagement opportunities with the program, fostering a closer connection to the team's journey and the people who shape it. Supporters of the fund will also benefit from a point multiplier within the DePaul Athletics Fund Points & Rank system, which will enhance their standing for tickets, postseason experiences, and other benefits.
"Never before have fans and supporters had such a direct opportunity to shape the future of our programs," said head men's basketball coach Chris Holtmann. "The Fund for Basketball Excellence will play a vital role in helping us build something special here at DePaul."
"Our supporters have always been the backbone of DePaul Women's Basketball," said head women's basketball coach Jill M. Pizzotti. "The Doug Bruno Fund allows us to invest in our student-athletes in new and meaningful ways, ensuring we continue the incredible tradition that generations before us have built. It's only fitting that this fund bears the name of the legendary coach who put DePaul on the national map and laid the foundation for what our program represents today."
To learn more about supporting DePaul Basketball through these funds, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com or contact the DePaul Athletics Fund directly.