Wilson & Lirian Dondo
Donors’ Love of Sports Supports Champions in the Classroom
During the week, Wilson Dondo is a dedicated businessman. On the weekends, he likes to unwind on the golf course. “Golf is the sport that provides me with comfort and relaxation. I wish that I had discovered my passion for the sport earlier in my life. It’s a place where I can just enjoy the outdoors, and have fun,” he explained.
Dondo’s passion for sports has led him to become a longtime supporter of FIU Athletics throughout the years. Over the past 4 years, Dondo has shown his commitment to FIU Athletics by gifting over $150,000. He hopes to encourage and inspire student-athletes to find a manageable balance between education and sports as early in their lives as possible.
“I chose to become involved with FIU because I saw the great things happening here and realized that there was no better way to show my dedication to my community,” he said. “I believe that athletics are important to students because it can keep them motivated by promoting a sense of community and loyalty to their university. This sense of commitment will, in turn, be reflected in the students’ education.” Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia agreed with Dondo, affirming the importance of education for FIU’s student-athletes.
“It is the primary focus of FIU Athletics to not only mentor champions on the field, but in the classroom as well,” he said. “We take great pride in the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes. The overall commitment of our student-athletes, coaches and academic support staff has created a positive culture of learning here at FIU.”
Dondo said he hopes his most recent gift will specifically help further FIU’s effort to provide academic support to the players of the FIU Women’s Golf team, as well as empower them to pursue their dreams while playing the sport they love.
“Dondo’s gift to our team has allowed us to accept invitations to tournaments, order new uniforms, maintain our equipment and so much more. It has taken away the concern of finances. We are able to just focus on the game we love to play,” said women’s golf team captain Meghan MacLaren.
Head Women’s Golf Coach Joe Vogel said Dondo and his family have already made a huge difference in the lives of FIU’s student-athletes.
“Wilson Dondo and his family have been a vital aspect of support to our athletic department over the last several years,” he said. “They have given to many different FIU programs, and have had a great impact on our university as a whole.”
Help FIU Athletics become even better as FIU heads into its next 50 years forward. Learn more by visiting http://fiusports.com/. Or, give today at https://give.fiu.edu/give-now/athletics/.