SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Drury University's annual Champions Challenge presented by Thompson Sales Company has concluded with another record-setting show of support from Panthers supporters from all over the globe. In total, 1,003 donors contributed $463,647 during the 10-day campaign that concluded on Sept. 25.
 
"We are certainly grateful for the ongoing support of Thompson Sales as our presenting sponsor and for their efforts in helping us make this event such a resounding success," commented Drury Vice President and Director of Athletics Nyla Milleson. "We would also like to thank the Drury Office of Advancement for their invaluable work on this campaign, as well as the Drury community, including our coaches and student-athletes, for their time, energy and personal investments in helping us once again establish a new standard of giving for the Champions Challenge."
 
This year's total contributions exceeded the 2024 Champions Challenge final tally by $65,306 – a 16.4-percent increase – and marked the fifth-consecutive year the annual fundraising effort for Drury Athletics has enjoyed a record level of giving. In all, just over 25-percent of this year's donors were Drury students.
 
"Thompson Sales Company has deep ties to Drury Athletics and we are proud to sponsor this incredible fundraising effort to support student-athletes and the programs they represent at Drury," Thompson Sales Company President/Dealer Miles Thompson (Drury, '94) added. "Many members of the Thompson family have graduated from DU and several were student-athletes themselves, so this effort and its continued success means a great deal to us."
 
The funds raised by the Champions Challenge will help support student-athletes participating in Drury's 20 NCAA programs and 12 non-NCAA sports. This year's event marked the sixth year for the Champions Challenge, which has generated more than $1.6 million since its inception in 2020.
 
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Established in 1873, Drury University stands as the first higher education institution in Springfield, Mo. A private, church-related institution, Drury exemplifies a strong spirit of community passionate about student success. Noteworthy is Drury's innovative academic approach, known as Drury Fusion, which sets students apart by giving them a powerful advantage in acquiring exceptional outcomes by fusing professional credentials and life aspirations. Marketing and Communications staff are available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 850-5089. Visit the Marketing and Communications office online at https://www.drury.edu/newsroom/ for the latest news. Resources, including searchable staff contacts and downloadable print-quality images and logos, can be found at https://www.drury.edu/mc/.