DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Volleyball Receives Generous Gift From Alumnus, Scott Steffens '89
9/11/2026 12:44:00 PM | ATHLETICS, WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL, D CLUB, CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
CHICAGO – Last Friday marked the first time in over four decades DePaul and Nebraska faced off on the volleyball court. The Blue Demons set an Illinois indoor volleyball attendance record with 8,786 at Wintrust Arena. Prior to the event, long-time supporter Scott Steffens made the week one to celebrate for another reason with a $50,000 gift to the volleyball program.
"The program and I owe Scott a tremendous debt of gratitude for this generous donation," said head coach Marie Zidek. "As an alumnus and former staff member of the volleyball program, Scott understands the impact this program can have – on the student-athletes, the staff who support its growth and on the campus and city that feels its effects. This donation confirms to every student-athlete and staff member that their hard work is seen – and believed in – by people who came before them. It tells them, in the most tangible way possible, that this program, the people and the mission are one worth investing in."
Steffens, a 1989 DePaul graduate in accountancy, surprised head coach Marie Zidek and the 2026 volleyball team with an extensive gift ahead of last week's match, supporting the program's operations and student-athlete experience.
"It was inspiring to see the team play competitively against nationally ranked opponents Nebraska and Penn State in front of record crowds," said Steffens. "I have no doubt this team will continue to represent DePaul proudly well into the future."
A student manager last time DePaul and Nebraska faced off, Steffens reflected on his time at DePaul and knowing how important the momentum of an event like this would have on DePaul.
A long-time supporter of DePaul Athletics, going back to his days as a student cheering on DePaul basketball at Rosemont Horizon, Steffens has contributed to the Athletics department among larger gifts to the University in many ways.
"Being a student manager was really where I was introduced to the whole world of athletics here – the inner workings, closeness of the teams and camaraderie among all the people," said Steffens. "It's one of the reasons I've wanted to be involved with the advisory board and now the board of trustees – to show the impact of DePaul, and specifically the benefits the athletics department can have."
After graduating from DePaul, Steffens had a distinguished career as a certified public accountant with Deloitte and Grant Thornton. Steffens, a member of the DePaul Board of Trustees, remains steadfast in giving back to his University including roles within Driehaus College of Business, School of Accountancy and Management Information Systems, Dean's Advisory Council and Athletic Advisory Council. While at Deloitte, Steffens helped establish the Robert M. Peters Endowed Scholarship, named for his DePaul mentor, a retired accounting professor and associate dean who headed the Strobel Honors Accounting Program at the School of Accountancy and Management Information Systems. In 2009, he established the Steffens Family Endowed Scholarship to encourage first-generation students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills to consider a career in public accounting.
"I can promise you this: we will stay relentless in our pursuits," Zidek said. "We know our responsibility is bigger than what happens on the scoreboard. We want to win – absolutely. We want that championship banner, and this gets us closer to realizing it. And we'll continue to do it in a way that builds something that lasts. We will continue to grow, represent the brand, grow the game here in Chicago and give our players a program they are proud to have been a part of. Thank you again, Scott, for seeing our commitment and for fueling our destiny."
"The program and I owe Scott a tremendous debt of gratitude for this generous donation," said head coach Marie Zidek. "As an alumnus and former staff member of the volleyball program, Scott understands the impact this program can have – on the student-athletes, the staff who support its growth and on the campus and city that feels its effects. This donation confirms to every student-athlete and staff member that their hard work is seen – and believed in – by people who came before them. It tells them, in the most tangible way possible, that this program, the people and the mission are one worth investing in."
Steffens, a 1989 DePaul graduate in accountancy, surprised head coach Marie Zidek and the 2026 volleyball team with an extensive gift ahead of last week's match, supporting the program's operations and student-athlete experience.
"It was inspiring to see the team play competitively against nationally ranked opponents Nebraska and Penn State in front of record crowds," said Steffens. "I have no doubt this team will continue to represent DePaul proudly well into the future."
A student manager last time DePaul and Nebraska faced off, Steffens reflected on his time at DePaul and knowing how important the momentum of an event like this would have on DePaul.
A long-time supporter of DePaul Athletics, going back to his days as a student cheering on DePaul basketball at Rosemont Horizon, Steffens has contributed to the Athletics department among larger gifts to the University in many ways.
"Being a student manager was really where I was introduced to the whole world of athletics here – the inner workings, closeness of the teams and camaraderie among all the people," said Steffens. "It's one of the reasons I've wanted to be involved with the advisory board and now the board of trustees – to show the impact of DePaul, and specifically the benefits the athletics department can have."
After graduating from DePaul, Steffens had a distinguished career as a certified public accountant with Deloitte and Grant Thornton. Steffens, a member of the DePaul Board of Trustees, remains steadfast in giving back to his University including roles within Driehaus College of Business, School of Accountancy and Management Information Systems, Dean's Advisory Council and Athletic Advisory Council. While at Deloitte, Steffens helped establish the Robert M. Peters Endowed Scholarship, named for his DePaul mentor, a retired accounting professor and associate dean who headed the Strobel Honors Accounting Program at the School of Accountancy and Management Information Systems. In 2009, he established the Steffens Family Endowed Scholarship to encourage first-generation students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills to consider a career in public accounting.
"I can promise you this: we will stay relentless in our pursuits," Zidek said. "We know our responsibility is bigger than what happens on the scoreboard. We want to win – absolutely. We want that championship banner, and this gets us closer to realizing it. And we'll continue to do it in a way that builds something that lasts. We will continue to grow, represent the brand, grow the game here in Chicago and give our players a program they are proud to have been a part of. Thank you again, Scott, for seeing our commitment and for fueling our destiny."
Friday, September 11
Friday, September 11
Friday, September 11
Friday, September 11