The University of Wyoming (UW) Athletics Department and the Cowboy Joe Club have announced two significant financial commitments aimed at supporting student-athletes, facility development, and long-term fundraising, Wyoming News Now reports.
Daniel and Kristi R. Schwab of Star Valley have pledged $1.75 million, while Gene Humphrey of Laramie and the 9H Research Foundation have committed $500,000. Additionally, the Cowboy Joe Club has launched a new donor program called the 7220 Society, designed to secure long-term financial support for UW Athletics.
Schwab Family Commitment: $1.75 Million
The Schwab family’s gift will support student-athlete scholarships and athletic department initiatives. A portion of the contribution will establish the S.C.H.W.A.B. Family Endowed Athletics Scholarship, which will be funded at $1 million. Once fully endowed, it will become the second-largest athletic scholarship endowment in the history of the university. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a UW student-athlete who exemplifies the values of sacrifice, commitment, honor, work, attitude, and belief — characteristics reflected in the scholarship’s acronym.
The remaining $750,000 from the Schwab family will be directed toward the Cowboy Joe Club to support various athletic department initiatives, with a strong focus on enhancing student-athlete well-being resources. The Schwabs, who are fifth-generation Wyoming residents, emphasized the importance of Wyoming’s cultural values in their decision to support the university.
“Wyoming represents hard-working, faithful people, and, because of this, hard things can be accomplished… With this gift, we hope to assist in helping younger generations believe that their dreams are not only possible, but absolutely achievable,” Daniel Schwab said in a press release.
Gene Humphrey Commitment: $500,000
Gene Humphrey, founder of the 9H Research Foundation, has pledged $500,000 to support UW Athletics. The gift includes $450,000 to officially complete the Difference Makers Campaign, a project aimed at raising $20 million in private support for two major infrastructure projects:
- Renovation of War Memorial Stadium’s west side
- Construction of a new competitive pool facility
Both projects are currently under construction, with the support of private donors, state funding, and contributions from UW. In addition to the $450,000, Humphrey has committed an additional $50,000 to the Cowboy Joe Club as a multi-year unrestricted donation.
Humphrey, a former Army combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam, expressed his desire to give back to Wyoming, which he credits with helping shape his personal and professional journey.
“Wyoming, ranch life, UW and flying Army combat helicopters in Vietnam provided me with the foundation for my success… By funding student projects, scholarships and internships, I hope to inspire the next generation of Wyoming engineers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs to make a real impact on the world,” Humphrey said.
Alongside the two major financial commitments, the Cowboy Joe Club also announced the creation of the 7220 Society, a new giving program designed to encourage sustained long-term support for UW Athletics.
Donors who join the 7220 Society commit to contributing at least $7,220 annually for five years. In return, they receive membership benefits such as:
- Exclusive event invitations and access
- Increased public and in-venue recognition
- Priority access to premium seating
- Commemorative gifts
- Double priority points on all payments made toward the pledge (upon completion)
According to UW’s Associate Athletic Director for Development and Revenue Generation, Derek Gossier, the 7220 Society is part of a broader effort to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.
“As we navigate this transformative era in college athletics — one that demands greater efficiency, adaptability, and foresight than ever before — we are deeply grateful to our donors who have committed to expanding and formalizing their giving plans… Their generosity is pivotal to the ongoing success of our department and the development of our student-athletes,” Gossier said.
The 7220 Society has already seen strong support, with 30 commitments totaling $2.6 million over the next five years.
