New John Ruddy Endowment Fund Secures Future Success of Ravens Football

Published on September 16, 2022

With the support of a proud alumnus and former Raven football player, �Ӱ�ԭ�� University has created the to ensure the long-term success of the Ravens Football program.

The Fund has been established with a $1-million initial investment, and �Ӱ�ԭ�� plans to attract further philanthropic support to raise it to $5-million over the next few years. Over the long term, the Fund will create a sustainable annual revenue base to support student-athletes and build a culture of success for the football program.

“As a player or a fan, football games provide an opportunity for the student community to feel united and proudly promote the spirit of �Ӱ�ԭ�� University,” said Ruddy, BArch/75, Executive Chairman of Trinity Development Group, partner in Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, and former Ravens cornerback. “I had this experience during my time at �Ӱ�ԭ��, and I’m proud to help ensure that another generation of students have this experience as well.”

Mr. Ruddy is a distinguished member of the Ottawa business community and a generous supporter of many local charities. He is also a proud donor to �Ӱ�ԭ�� and its students; his $5-million gift to �Ӱ�ԭ�� was instrumental in bringing back the Ravens Football team in 2013.

The Fund has been created at a pivotal time for the program. Under the leadership of new Head Coach and former CFL-er Corey Grant, the team plans a new era of success for its student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. Revenue from the Fund will be used to enhance new academic and athletic support such as academic mentorship, specialized coaching, recruitment programs and financial aid.

“Football is evolving,” said Coach Grant. “Competitiveness in sport will always be important, but it’s not the only indicator of success. We plan to build a culture that values well-being, celebrates the individual differences within the team, puts community values at the centre of everything, and ultimately helps student-athletes win on the field, and in their lives. I’m excited to count on Mr. Ruddy’s support and I invite others—alumni, fans and friends of �Ӱ�ԭ��—to be a part of this journey.”

“Corey, John, and all our football alumni make a great team,” said Jennifer Brenning, Assistant Vice-President, Recreation and Athletics. “Above all, they care about the student-athletes, and they want to give them everything they can to unlock their potential as players and as people. This fund is part of that vision.”

For more information about the John Ruddy Endowment Fund and Coach Grant’s vision for Ravens Football, visit .

Media Contact
Ryan Davies
Dir. Digital Transformation, Dept. of University Advancement
ryandavies@cunet.carleton.ca

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