Jon Block Challenge Achieves Goal of 350 New Athletics Donors

St. Louis, Mo., August 1, 2012 – Class of 1982 graduate and former men’s tennis student-athlete Jon Block challenged fellow alumni letterwinners to support Washington University Athletics with the Jon Block Challenge, and they responded as 360 new donors joined the W Club.

Block agreed to make a gift of $10,000 to the Department of Athletics if 350 or more donors joined the W Club by June 30, 2012.

“We are grateful to Jon for establishing the “Jon Block Challenge” with its beneficiary being Washington University’s student- athlete programs. As a former Bears’ tennis player, Jon learned the values associated with team, teamwork, and teammates,” said Washington University Director of Athletics John Schael. “His “Challenge” encompassed all three values and would require a team effort on the part of the University, fellow alumni, parents and friends if the goal was to be met…and it was.”

The W Club was organized in 1989 as a formal way to support the programs and opportunities offered by the Department of Athletics. Since then, participation in the W Club by former letterwinners and other alumni, parents and friends of Athletics have provided an exceptional coaching staff, new equipment and uniforms and travel to competitions.

“Jon’s generosity and thoughtfulness is encouraging and inspiring, and is indeed a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when people work together as a team,” added Schael.

“My gift to the W Club reflects the tremendous respect I have for the dedication required to succeed as a scholar-athlete. I commend the superb WUSTL athletic department, especially the top-notch men’s tennis program which has risen to national prominence following their 2008 NCAA Division III championship performance,” said Block. “My support of this Challenge dovetails superbly with The Jon Block Group’s ongoing corporate commitment of sponsoring promising tennis and road racing athletes.”