Legends Society Launch Features Tirico and Bing

Syracuse University Athletics launched the Legends Society in a star-studded event in October. NBC television personality Mike Tirico '88 hosted 'Legends Night,' featuring Orange basketball All-American Dave Bing '66, who talked about his Orange student-athlete experience, the influential people during his Syracuse career, his tenure as the Mayor of Detroit, and his lifelong support of Syracuse University.

Bing and Tirico are inaugural members of the Legends Society, an elite annual recognition network that is serving the greatest needs within the athletics department. Syracuse men's basketball coach and Bing's college roommate Jim Boeheim '66, G'71 joined Bing and Tirico during 'Legends Night' to reminisce with Bing about their days playing for the Orange.

The Legends Society is a group for alumni, fans, and friends of the athletics department to unite in support of mission-critical student-athlete services through philanthropic giving. During the launch event Director of Athletics John Wildhack shared details about the financial challenges facing Syracuse Athletics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the solution the Legends Society presents.

"A month into the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw an opportunity and a need to refocus our development efforts when our mission was put at risk," Wildhack said. "The need for unrestricted annual operating support has never been greater. This led to the creation of a high-end annual giving society, which will help provide an environment where each student-athlete can reach their full potential, academically and athletically."

The annual investment from Legends Society members supports academic services, student-athlete development (life skills), health & welfare programs, nutrition, strength & conditioning, sports medicine, and diversity & inclusion initiatives. Each focus area reflects Syracuse University's commitment to provide an unparalleled student-athlete experience.

"Both [my wife and I] were really honored to be a part of the inaugural class of Legends Society members," Tirico said. "This will enable [Syracuse Athletics] to continue to go out and attract not just the best athletes to Syracuse, but the best people and the folks who can make a difference in the world after they take off that uniform."

The Legends Society, which is providing significant funding to support Orange student-athletes, currently has 39 members with a goal of 100 by June 30, 2021. During Legends Night, Bing touched on the spirit that inspired the society's name.

"There's no doubt in my mind that if we give you the tools, you will also be able to succeed in life," Bing said. "Then, it is incumbent upon you, if you succeed, not to forget where you came from and not to forget about the people that helped you succeed. You have a responsibility to give back and that is what [the word] legend is all about as far as I'm concerned."

Legends Society members provide a leadership level of unrestricted financial support to the 'Cuse Athletics Opportunity Fund. Each member pledges to contribute his or her support for a five-year period. Members will have access to exclusive stewardship experiences, such as Legends Night, which will become a series. The next Legends Night, scheduled for December 2020, will feature two-time Super Bowl champion head coach Tom Coughlin '68.

"When I signed those papers to officially become a student-athlete at Syracuse, I always wanted to leave my mark at the school and forever be tied to Syracuse," said Justyn Knight '18, a National Champion cross country and track and field student-athlete. "Just to be a part of this Legends Society and give back, aside from what I did athletically, to help make other people's lives better, is a tremendous feeling. I'm really happy to be a part of it."

If you are interested in learning more about the Legends Society, contact the Orange Club.

Syracuse University Athletics

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