Central Connecticut Announces Creation of Clynes Athletic Enrichment Fund

Former Central Connecticut student and longtime supporter Pat Clynes, along with Vice President for Institutional Advancement Chris Galligan and Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann have announced the creation of the Michael F. Clynes Athletic Enrichment Fund.  Clynes, a longtime donor to the CCSU Athletics Department, has also committed to a donation to the Athletic Development Fund within the CCSU Foundation.

As a result of his continued support and commitment to CCSU, the scoreboard at the soccer and track complex will be renamed The Clynes Family Scoreboard (pictured: Pat Clynes and family on Monday, August 8)

"I enjoyed my time and had a wonderful experience at Central," Clynes said on Monday.  "Even though I left after two and a half years for the Marines, I have a special place in my heart for CCSU and its Athletics program.  I believe that student-athletes are tremendously positive representatives of any University.  They work extremely hard every day both in the classroom and on the playing field and they deserve our support."

Clynes, who recently retired from the energy industry after 25 years, currently lives in Houston, TX.  He grew up in Southington, CT, and graduated from Southington High School in 1980.  Following five years in the Marines, Clynes completed his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

"Pat's generous gift to Central Connecticut athletics is just his most recent commitment to the University," Galligan said.  "Pat has been a true and loyal supporter of the Blue Devils for the last 10 years, and it's through generous donations like his that we are able to continually provide a first-class experience for all of our Division I student-athletes.  This gift exemplifies his continued commitment to CCSU."

"It has been my pleasure getting to know Pat Clynes during the six years of my tenure at CCSU," Schlickmann said.  "He is an avid, passionate Blue Devil Athletics fan and a committed philanthropist with a history of exceptional generosity to our program.  With his most recent gift, he has enhanced our ability to impact both the short and long term success of Blue Devil Athletics.  His significant annual commitment to the Blue Devil Pride fund will have a profound impact on our ability to provide additional resources to all our programs, while the establishment of the Michael F. Clynes Enrichment Fund will benefit the experience of our student-athletes for years to come.  Pat is a good man with strong personal and familial ties to Central.  We are fortunate and proud to have him as part of our Blue Devil Family."   

"I love CCSU and continue to maintain close relationships with several of my classmates from my time in New Britain," Clynes said.  "I hope my gift to CCSU athletics will motivate others to support the hard-working and talented student-athletes.  I am proud of my time at CCSU and have always believed that giving back is the best way to say thank you for everything that CCSU has given to me and my family."