Penn announced recently a $5 million commitment from Wharton alum James H. Greene, Jr. and his late wife Marritje V. Greene to establish the Greene Family Lacrosse Fund, which will provide ongoing financial support for the University’s men’s and women’s intercollegiate lacrosse programs.
“Penn Lacrosse has a storied history and we are deeply grateful to Jamie Greene and his family for their extraordinary commitment to its future,” says President Liz Magill. “This gift further strengthens our men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes now and for years to come.”
“The Greene family’s steadfast support will allow our lacrosse teams to prepare and compete with the utmost confidence,” says Alanna Shanahan, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr., W’69, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our Quakers know that they have the resources and support to maintain a level of excellence that has already been established in both our men’s and women’s lacrosse programs.”
Jamie Greene has been an active and engaged member of the Penn community for decades. He is an emeritus University Trustee, chair of the Penn Athletics Board of Advisors, a member of the Penn Lacrosse Sports Board, and a member of the Penn Medicine Board and Executive Committee. As a student, he was a standout dual-sport athlete in lacrosse and football.
“Our family is passionate about Penn, and we are thrilled to build on our proud history by supporting its talented lacrosse teams,” says Greene. “It was especially meaningful to do so as part of a renewed and forward-looking commitment to developing women student-athletes over the next 100 years.”
The Greene Family Lacrosse Fund will support ongoing and emerging strategic priorities for Penn lacrosse, including recruiting, nutrition, conditioning and sports performance, equipment, special travel opportunities, and coaching.
“As we position ourselves for a future filled with many championships, we can all take pride in the fact that, at Penn, hard work and consistency result in a tradition of success,” says Mike Murphy, the James H. Greene, Jr., Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach. “That tradition has been bolstered by Jamie Greene’s enduring support and advocacy for lacrosse at Penn.”
“Our student-athletes work immensely hard to stay organized, fit, and focused,” says Karin Corbett, the Lois S. Leitner Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach. “Alumni like Jamie Greene give them the extra edge they need to stay at the top of the Ivy League and compete against the most elite teams in the country.”
