COMMITMENT & TERMS GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY It s a commitment of which you can be proud. The cost of running a BIG EAST program is constantly increasing. The goal of UCATS is to generate the revenue necessary for athletic success, while remaining sensitive to the loyalty of long-time donors. With more than 530 student-athletes, the annual scholarship budget is over $6 million. Currently it costs over $34,700 for one out of state scholarship. Gifts to the George D. Smith Society play a pivotal role in offsetting these rapidly escalating costs. As a member of the George D. Smith Society, you will have an immediate impact on the lives of student-athletes. The UCATS staff constantly works to bring additional value to the George D. Smith Society membership. Among these benefits are priority seating opportunities and behind-the-scenes exclusive events. The priority seating program at Fifth Third Arena was also revised to provide opportunities for our George D. Smith Society members. By becoming a member of this leadership group, you will experience the best of benefits. The difference you will make as a George D. Smith member is invaluable as we increase our viability as a championship-caliber program for years to come. Members of the George D. Smith Society have a power few others do the power to transform students lives. With 150 members and growing strong, member support makes a first-class education possible. It also gives UC student-athletes motivation and incentive to be successful in their sports and in their classrooms. Ownership in the program resides with you our key investors. Your support is critical to the future growth and sustainability of Bearcat Athletics. - UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas
History of George D. Smith Society Pricing CAMPAIGN YEAR GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY CONTRIBUTION LEVELS 1992-2008 $10,000 2008-2009 $12,000/$25,000 2009-2010 $12,500/$25,000 For the 2010-11 campaign year, the George D. Smith Society rates are as follows: GEORGE D. SMITH LEVEL 2010-2011 RATES Platinum $25,000 Gold $13,000 TERMS You can choose to lock in your preferred George D. Smith Society pricing structure by committing to a multi-year agreement OR instead renew annually during each upcoming UCATS campaign. MULTI YEAR AGREEMENT By committing to a multi-year agreement, you secure an annual rate of $13,000. This option also grants you points for future commitments, which are rewarded at one point for every $100 (maximum of 1,000 points). In essence, you receive points for each of your upcoming years of commitment. Example: 4 years at $13,000 per year = 50 points ANNUAL RENEWAL An annual George D. Smith Society renewal allows you the flexibility to decide on your membership status year by year. In March, you will receive a renewal packet to maintain your active status for the next calendar year. If you select to renew on an annual basis, the rate is subject to annual increases. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS New George D. Smith members under the age of 40 have a special opportunity. For the first two years of UCATS membership, pay only half the minimum requirement for your membership level and enjoy the full benefits. UCATS MISSION STATEMENT To provide financial support to fund student-athlete scholarships and special needs of the athletics department while fostering camaraderie, sportsmanship, and school spirit among students, faculty & staff, alumni and friends of the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department. PLEDGE INTENTIONS The pledge intention process allows you to review the most attractive seating locations by pledging to a desired tier location without financial obligation. This will give you the opportunity to participate in the seat improvement process and evaluate options in your desired tier. You will then make the decision to lock in your pledge at that time of seat selection. By pledging to the George D. Smith Society level, you have the opportunity to consider higher priority tier locations. If you have current seats, you can participate in the seat improvement process while retaining those current seats. If you are interested in a pledge intention for the George D. Smith Society, please contact the UCATS office at 513-556-4884 or visit www.ucats.net for more information. Richard E. Lindner Center
PRIORITY POINTS PRIORITY POINTS MATTER The UCATS Priority Points System is utilized to reward both donor loyalty and generosity. Each donor s Priority Points total is taken into consideration when distributing benefits and assigning or allocating the following: Priority Point Calculation Criteria GIVING/LOYALTY Current year/undesignated or designated gift to UCATS (based on pledge) 5 points for every $100 Consecutive years of UCATS membership Future Commitments/Irrevocable planned gift/pledge to athletics 2 points per year 1 point for every $100 (max 1,000 points) Cumulative lifetime giving to athletics 1 point for every $100 Giving to a UC program outside of athletics 1 point for every $100 (as recognized by the UC Foundation in current fiscal year) AFFINITY POINT OPPORTUNITIES (One per membership) UC degree holder Former UC student-athlete UC Faculty/Staff (both current and retired) AMBASSADORS/VOLUNTEERS Active UCATS Volunteers 20 points per membership 20 points per membership 10 points per membership 50 points As benefits are allocated, the priority groups are as follows: DIRECTOR S SOCIETY GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY UCATS MEMBERS
2009 Member Ranking UCATS Board of Directors reserves the right to award priority points as deemed appropriate. After calculating priority, all donors are ranked according to their number of points, with Director s Society and George D. Smith Society members receiving first priority. Donors making a ticket or parking request will have their request evaluated in priority point order. *Rankings as of December 2009. MEMBER RANK PRIORITY POINTS 50 3,920 100 2,230 200 1,098 300 779 400 634 500 545 750 367 1000 207 1500 99 2000 74 2500 57 3000 45 3500 28 4000 15 Visit UCATS.net often to find out your priority points standing. Donornet allows you access to your UCATS standing, giving history and contact information. Donornet also allows you to donate online. Learn how to boost your priority using our recently added priority points calculator. A New Day in College Athletics Across the country there is a movement to dramatically reduce levels of state funding of public higher education. This has forced many changes in how the University of Cincinnati manages its operations. Among the most notable are measures to contain costs and requirements to maximize revenue-generating opportunities. Investment from stakeholders will be the margin of difference in accelerating the time-table for when championships are achieved and determining how consistent we perform at the highest levels.
PAYMENT OPTIONS Flexibility with your Membership The George D. Smith Society offers flexible payment options. Your membership may be fulfilled over a 12-month period in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual payments. Your payment, however, must be received by December 31 of the calendar year. METHODS OF PAYMENTS Most common methods of giving include: CASH, CHECK AND CREDIT CARDS Making an annual contribution to UCATS can be as easy as writing a check (made payable to the UC Foundation) or using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. ONLINE Visit UCATS.net to make payments online. GIFTS-IN-KIND Gifts of goods or services can be of great financial assistance to UC Athletics, while offering the donor credit for the fair market value of the gift. PAYROLL DEDUCTION As Greater Cincinnati s largest employer, the University of Cincinnati offers payroll deduction for UCATS contributions. UC Faculty/Staff members are encouraged to contact UCATS if you are interested in the convenience of payroll deduction. STOCK TRANSFER UCATS will accept contributions in the form of securities. The value of the gift is determined by the average of the high and low prices of the security on the day the security is received in the UC Foundation s brokerage account. MATCHING GIFTS Numerous companies match donor gifts to UCATS. A list of the companies with UCATS matching gift programs can be found at www.ucats.net. The top 5 companies matching to UCATS include Macy s Foundation, General Electric, Duke Energy, Hershey Foods Corporation, and Fifth Third Bank. For more information, donors should contact their company s human resources department. For a complete list of giving methods, please contact the UCATS office at 877-55-UCATS or visit www.ucats.net. TAX DEDUCTION Per IRS rules (Publication 526), if you make a payment to or for the benefit of a college or university and, as a result, you receive the rights to buy tickets to an athletic event in the athletic stadium of a college or university, you can deduct 80% of the payment as a charitable contribution. Questions about the deductibility of your gift to UCATS should be directed to your personal tax advisor.
Championships UC will win a BIG EAST Championship in every sport within the next five years. Academics UC student-athletes will set the pace academically by continuing to lead the general student body in graduation rate and over a five-year period outperform the general student body in grade point average. Together UC student-athletes, coaches, and staff will respect and honor the privilege of competing as Cincinnati Bearcats. All participants recognize UC s goals cannot be achieved without engaging the UC family and the Cincinnati community. UC Faces Revenue Generation Challenges Relative to BIG EAST Conference Peers Since joining the BIG EAST, UC has the lowest amount of revenue generation by football and ranks in the bottom half in men s basketball. With limited capacity, as well as the scarce number of lower bowl and premium seating options in the University s competitive venues, UC is placed at a competitive disadvantage relative to our peers. The private support from a family of loyal and dedicated UCATS members is critical to the long-term success of Bearcats Athletics.
TICKET OPPORTUNITIES SEASON TICKET & PARKING INFORMATION Director s Society and George D. Smith Society members receive the best available season tickets for football and men s basketball. Current members are eligible for seating change requests through the annual seat improvement process. New George D. Smith Society members will select seating based upon the priority point system and be factored in the seat improvement process. SEAT IMPROVEMENT TIMELINE All requests for additional season tickets and/or changes to seating locations should be submitted online at UCATS.net. FOOTBALL April 24, 2010 Deadline to submit seat improvement requests May 10, 2010 Seat improvement process begins BASKETBALL July 30, 2010 Deadline to submit seat improvement request September 1, 2010 Seat improvement process begins Season parking passes for the 2010-11 football and men s basketball season are assigned to campus garages. George D. Smith Society members can request desired parking locations. Passes will be allocated based on the UCATS priority points system, with first priority granted to Director s Society and then George D. Smith Society members. There is a reduced price for season passes versus game day parking. George D. Smith Society members at the $25,000 level are eligible for an annual parking spot in the Varsity Village Garage. NIPPERT STADIUM John and Dorothy Hermanies VIP Press Box Tickets VIP tickets are located in a glass-enclosed private suite on the 3rd floor of the John and Dorothy Hermanies Press Box. Food and beverage are included in the price of the tickets. With limited capacity (200), these tickets are in high demand and there is a waiting list. Director s Society members can purchase up to 4 VIP press box tickets, while George D. Smith Society members can purchase up to 2 tickets (based on points and availability). Season Tickets Allotments Each George D. Smith Society member can purchase up to 12 season tickets. Any seats over the 12 ticket limit will be subject to a per seat donation based on the UCATS seating tier. Nippert Stadium
FIFTH THIRD ARENA George D. Smith Society Section The UCATS office revised their priority seating areas in 2009 to include the addition of a George D. Smith Society section in Fifth Third Arena. Each member can purchase up to the ticket limit in this designated section. Any seats over the ticket limit will be subject to a per seat donation ($2,000 per seat). GEORGE D. SMITH DONOR LEVEL 2010-2011 TICKET LIMIT PER SEAT GIFT Platinum $25,000 12 $2,000 Gold $13,000 6 $2,000 AWAY GAME TICKET ORDERS Away game ticket orders can be placed through the UCATS office. Tickets will be allocated based on priority points, with Director s Society members receiving first priority and George D. Smith members immediately following. POST SEASON TICKET ALLOCATION Tickets for post season games such as bowl games, BIG EAST Tournament and NCAA Tournament are available for purchase. Demand for the event and ticket allocations will determine the ticket purchase limits. Tickets for post season will be allocated based on priority points, with Director s Society members receiving first priority and George D. Smith members immediately following.
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS...JUST FOR YOU Each year UCATS offers unique events tailored specifically for George D. Smith Society members. These events are offered exclusively and continue to enhance the membership experience. George D. Smith Society members receive behind the scenes glimpses into the workings of the athletic department, making them a part of the inner circle of Bearcat Athletics. 2010-2011 Event Calendar Saturday, April 24, 2010 Friday, May 21, 2010 Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Thursday, August 19, 2010 Saturday, September 11, 2010 VIP Event, Bearcat Bowl IV VIP Press Box Coach Cronin s Bearcats Golf Classic Elks Run Golf Course Annual UCATS B&B Riverboat Cruise Camp Higher Ground Trip (includes tour, practice and dinner with the team) Football Kick Off Reception Werner Recital Hall October 2010 November 2010 December 2010 February 2011 April 2011 Legion of Excellence Men s Basketball Preview Practice Fifth Third Arena Football End of Season Banquet Football Signing Day Banquet Men s Basketball Banquet *Dates are tentative and subject to change. More events may be added. Men s Basketball Preview Practice
Members have enjoyed such events as: George D. Smith Society Golf Outing Spring Game VIP Event Camp Higher Ground Trip (includes private tour, practice viewing and dinner with the team) Private Men s Basketball Practice Viewing Oscar Robertson Autograph Signing Football Season Kick-off Reception Signing Day Luncheon On-Field Recognitions Camp Higher Ground Trip George D. Smith members also have received unique gift items and the opportunity to purchase items not offered to the general public. Annual Riverboat Cruise Legion of Excellence BIG EAST Championship Ring Oscar Robertson Autograph Signing
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY The George D. Smith Society was created to recognize the most distinguished supporters of Bearcats Athletics. Through their private support, they provide the necessary resources for sustained success. Founded in 1992, the George D. Smith Society has grown to over 150 members. This membership represents only 3% of total UCATS members, yet accounts for over 45% of the total dollars generated through the UCATS annual campaign. George D. Smith Society members contribute $13,000 annually and enjoy exclusive benefits associate with their leadership support. DIRECTOR S SOCIETY The Director s Society, established in 2008, was created to recognize the most elite group of contributors to athletics. Director s Society members donate at the George D. Smith Society level, but also contribute support other athletic programs for a total contribution of $50,000 or more each year. The generosity of the Director s Society enables the University of Cincinnati to compete at the highest level in the BIG EAST Conference and advances the UC Athletics vision of becoming one of the premiere intercollegiate athletics departments in the country. Being a member of this leadership group brings you the ultimate UCATS benefits. Director s Society members are granted first priority in every UCATS offering. Among their benefits include courtside seating opportunities, deluxe merchandise package, travel opportunities and VIP Press Box Tickets at Nippert Stadium. MEMBER BENEFITS Courtside Seating Opportunities Deluxe Merchandise Package First Priority Option for Away Game Travel with Team On-Field Recognition VIP Press Box Tickets for Football Priority for Season Ticket & Parking Allocations Post Season & Away Game Ticket Allocations Seat Improvement Opportunities DIRECTOR S SOCIETY (4) (1 st ) (1 st ) (1 st ) GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY (2) (2 nd ) (2 nd ) (2 nd ) Invitations to Exclusive Events Media Guides Annual Feature Gift UC Basketball Team, 1959-60 George D. Smith, Head Coach
Benefits for Director s Society & George D. Smith Society Include: Individualized Customer Service by UCATS Concierge Advanced Priority for Single-Game Ticket Purchases Complimentary Admission to Olympic Sporting Events (Men s & Women s Soccer, Baseball, Volleyball) Flexible Payment Options Tax Benefits Future Points (Multi-Year Commitments Only) Endowment Opportunities Cheer Cincinnati, Bearcat book Framed Panoramic Photo, Autographed by Coach Director s Society Special Gift Athletics is Often Viewed as the Front Porch of the University of Cincinnati Athletic success is important to the University of Cincinnati. Financial stability in athletics ultimately breeds success, and success breeds pride among our many alumni and friends. This success can be a tremendous recruiting tool for the general student population and potential student-athletes as evidenced by UC s record enrollment following recent athletics success.
HISTORY GEORGE D. SMITH THE MAN The George D. Smith Society is named after one of UC s greatest legends. George Smith, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, graduated from UC in 1935 after earning All-Ohio honors in football. He served as a naval lieutenant during World War II and returned to UC in 1948 as a freshman football coach. A pioneer in the football industry, Smith helped design and develop a patented iron face-bar, a forerunner to today s facemask. Smith, who also coached Jack Twyman in the early years and Oscar Robertson in his last years, guided the University of Cincinnati s basketball program to national prominence from 1952-1960. In compiling a 154-56 record, Smith took UC to third-place finishes in the NCAA Tournament in 1959 and 1960. He was appointed athletic director after the 1959-60 season, then became a vice-president for development in 1974. In 1978, he was inducted into UC s Athletic Hall of Fame. He retired from the university in 1980. He passed away in 1996. Today he is honored in the University of Cincinnati s George and Helen Smith Athletics Museum located on the fourth floor of the Lindner Center, and his name represents the prestigious nature of the George D. Smith Society. Dedication of the George & Helen Smith Athletics Museum