Stonehill Varsity Athletics Annual Donor Impact Report

Letter from the Athletic Director 

As I reflect on an outstanding year for Stonehill Athletics, I am struck by the incredible impact philanthropy continues to have on our student-athletes and our community. The successes we celebrated in 2026 on the field, in the classroom, and across campus were made possible through the unwavering support of alumni, parents, friends, and donors like you. 

A major highlight was the Stonehill Women’s Lacrosse team capturing the 2026 NEC Championship. It was a proud moment for the program and a powerful example of what can be achieved when talented student-athletes are supported by a community invested in their success. 

his spirit of investment was further amplified through the launch of Built to Rise, Stonehill’s comprehensive fundraising campaign for athletics. The campaign is creating new opportunities to strengthen athletics through new and improved facilities and student-athlete development programs. The enhancements we are making on our campus demonstrate our ongoing goal to inspire growth and enhance the campus experience for all members of our community.  

The generosity of supporters like you reached new heights during the 2025-2026 season, which became the most successful fundraising year in the history of Stonehill Athletics. That record-setting support will have a lasting impact on every one of our programs. Philanthropy helps us recruit and retain outstanding student-athletes, provide transformational experiences, and ensure our teams have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. 

This year also marked a groundbreaking moment with Stonehill’s acquisition of the Easton Country Club. This new partnership reflects a commitment to increase opportunities for our students on the golf course and in the business of golf, while strengthening the College’s presence within the local community.  

What makes me proudest, however, is not measured by championships or fundraising records alone. It is the way our student-athletes represent Stonehill every day. They excel in the classroom, contribute to their communities, and compete with integrity, while embracing the values that make this institution so special. 

Thank you for your belief in Stonehill Athletics. Together, we are building something truly special and ensuring that future generations of Skyhawks are Built to Rise. 

Go Skyhawks!
Dean O'Keefe
Director of Athletics, Stonehill College

Day of Light and Hope 

This April 29, 2026 was Stonehill’s Day of Light and Hope, a powerful campus-wide celebration that brought together student-athletes, alumni, and supporters to reflect on the collective impact of the Stonehill community. The event highlighted the role of philanthropy in advancing opportunities for student-athletes and strengthening the future of Stonehill Athletics. We raised a record-breaking $72,800 for Stonehill Athletics in 24 hours. 

Built to Rise Campaign Launch

The launch of Stonehill's Built to Rise campaign—an ambitious $50 million effort to elevate Division I athletics through new facilities, including the Tom & Kathleen Bogan Arena, Athletic Fields Complex, and expanded opportunities for students—took place on May 14, 2026 in the Pettit Atrium in the Shields Science Center. The event brought together Stonehill Trustees, alumni, students, coaches and supporters for an evening filled with energy and shared purpose. 

Emcee Duke Castiglione ’96, lead sports anchor at WCVB Channel 5, set the tone by connecting the campaign to the bigger picture, noting “how investing in athletics can transform the student experience, enhance our community and elevate Stonehill as a whole.” He framed the night as both a celebration and an invitation to support  Built to Rise. That impact came into focus through the voice of Grace Murphy ’26, women's lacrosse captain and NEC Offensive Player of the Year, who reflected on her Stonehill journey, “From the home playoff games and historic wins at W.B. Mason Stadium to raising the NEC championship trophy, being a Skyhawk has allowed me to excel not only on the field but off the field as a leader and member of the community." To date, the fundraising initiative has secured $22.5 million in commitments.  

Establishment of the Paul Finn ’71 Endowed Head Football Coach Endowment Fund 

In September 2025, Stonehill established the Paul Finn '71 Head Football Coach Endowment Fund. This fund creates a newly named coaching position, serving as an enduring tribute to the football program Finn helped form in 1970. It also marks the first-ever endowed role within Stonehill Athletics, now held by Head Football Coach Eli Gardner. Finn was a founding member of Stonehill's club football team, the Knights, which paved the way for football to become a varsity sport in 1988. He has remained a dedicated supporter of the program since his time on the field. His longstanding commitment has paralleled the team's growth over the decades, culminating in its 2022 transition to NCAA Division I as a member of the NEC.  

Achievements Off the Field 

Academic Success 

In Spring 2026, Stonehill induced 52 student-athletes who achieved junior academic standing after their fourth full-time semester and maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher to Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. 

NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR)

• Every Stonehill team had a multiyear APR score above 960 out of a possible 1,000.
• Fifteen teams posted a four-year APR score at or above the national average for their respective sports. 
• Five of Stonehill's athletic programs earned a perfect score of 1,000: field hockey, softball, women's tennis, women's swimming & diving, and women's golf.