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Duane Swanson Sr.
(2010-11)
Duane Swanson Sr. was one of the pioneers of FGCU's quick accent into the Division I ranks. Swanson led the charge in building both the baseball and softball complexes, not only donating generously, but also getting many others to follow in his footsteps. Swanson was also a consistent donor to the scholarship fund and in 2007 he once again led the charge in building the Outdoor Sports Complex which is home to 11 of 15 FGCU programs.
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Dr. Bill Merwin
(2010-11)
Dr. William C. "Bill" Merwin, the proverbial "Father of FGCU Athletics" along with Founding Athletic Director Carl McAloose, was Florida Gulf Coast University's second president, serving from 1999 until his retirement in 2007. His leadership in developing the FGCU Athletics program cannot be overstated, and the late Dr. Merwin is honored on campus in perpetuity with the named "Merwin Hall" academic building.
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Ben Hill Griffin III
(2010-11)
Dr. Griffin and his family have been generous supporters of higher education throughout Florida. Under Dr. Griffin's leadership, Alico, Inc. donated 760 acres for the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, as well as an additional 215 acres, funding for three Endowed Chairs, scholarships and $5 million for FGCU Athletics. The University's indoor sports facility, "Alico Arena," recognizes Dr. Griffin's tremendous support for FGCU.
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Stanley "Butch" Perchan
(2014-15)
Butch will forever be known as one of FGCU Athletics most valuable pioneers, as well as an individual who was beloved by Eagle student-athletes, coaches, donors and fellow staff. The Senior Associate Athletics Director - Emeritus, no task was ever too small or large for him, and his sacrifices, efforts, and countless contributions helped generate a tremendous foundation for the Green & Blue that will last for generations of Eagles to come.
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Dr. Wilson & Jo Anna Bradshaw
(2016-17)
Dr. Wilson “Brad” Bradshaw was FGCU’s third president, serving from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. His decade of leadership coincided with FGCU’s transition to Division I, and he played an instrumental role in enhancing resources and support for Athletics that enabled the Eagles to soar to their historic Sweet 16 in men’s basketball and numerous other Green and Blue successes. Along with Jo Anna, they served as the Eagles’ #1 and #1A fans and attended countless games both in The Nest and afar.
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Dr. Bob 'Doc' Ryan, Jr.
(2021-22)
Dr. Bob “Doc” Ryan, who has held the honorary title of Assistant to the AD for Special Projects for the past decade, has been a driving force behind several of FGCU’s major fundraising events which provide lasting impacts on student-athletes. Under his leadership, the annual Night at the Nest Gala, in particular, has become one of Southwest Florida’s most popular, successful and “can’t miss” evenings where every dollar raised supports student-athlete scholarships. He has also directed record results with the department’s annual golf outings. Dr. Ryan has served as the chair of the Eagles Club Board of Advisors and, along with his wife, Cinda, he is a longstanding donor with the Alico Arena Athletics Administrative Conference Room named in their honor.
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Dr. Mike & Jan Martin
(2022-23)
Dr. Michael “Mike” Martin is Florida Gulf Coast University’s fourth president, having served since 2017. His period of leadership involved a tumultuous era bookended by a pair of Hurricanes (Irma & Ian) and the COVID-19 Pandemic. He has not only guided the University as a whole through these difficult times, but FGCU Athletics in general with continued valued emotional and resource support. Along with Jan, they served as tremendous unwavering Eagles supporters during a crucial timeframe.
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Richard “Dick” Ackert
(2022-23)
Dick Ackert was a vital member of the University’s Foundation and Financing Corporation Boards for nearly three decades and played an important role in generating critical funds for Eagle Athletics, including funding for housing scholarships and key enhancements to Alico Arena in 2017. Ackert supported FGCU even before the school was officially established in 1991, then opening for classes in 1997. The Commons at North Lake Village, a student housing community where most FGCU student-athletes reside, was named after Ackert in 2017.
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W. Bernard “Bernie” Lester
(2022-23)
Bernie Lester was a key figure in working as a go between Dr. Ben Hill Griffin III and their Alico Corporation in providing significant financial support of FGCU Athletics, including the major gift to witness the construction of Alico Arena. He also was a longtime member of the University’s Foundation and Financing Corporation Boards and played an important role in generating critical funds for Eagle Athletics. In recognition of their many contributions, an expansion to Alico Arena was named the W. Bernard and Elaine Lester Athletics Administrative Complex in 2017.
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Donna Sublett
(2023-24)
Sublett and her late husband, Jim, have contributed more than $3 million to FGCU athletic programs. In 2015, a $1 million gift established the Sublett Family Strength and Conditioning Center, which is connected to the west entrance of Alico Arena. Their philanthropy has funded several FGCU scholarships. They also gave up a private suite at the arena, instead devoting those funds to athletics scholarships. Donna Sublett has also spearheaded "Go Red" nights at FGCU, where red shirts are sold and worn at basketball doubleheaders to raise awareness of heart disease, the nation's leading killer. She is the 12th person to receive the recognition.
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