This is the first in a monthly series where we get to know UWF boosters and donors, and this month we got to know Butch Seabrook. Butch is a former UWF employee, has been giving to UWF Athletics for 32 consecutive years, and has developed a passion and commitment to giving back.
Why do you give to UWF Athletics?
My relationship with UWF goes back to my early childhood. I used to go fishing with my dad out of Brown's fish camp that was located on Thompson's Bayou. I watched UWF begin from the ground up. I was a junior college transfer in 1970 during the 2 + 2 years of the State University system and graduated in 1972 from Omega College.
I started working for Computer Services in 1976. During my almost 40 years as an employee, I was able to watch UWF grow, this time from the inside, while making friendships with faculty, staff, and students, that I cherish to this day.
I served as an Annual Fund co-captain for several years and learned firsthand how giving to the University is so vitally important. The Alumni System came under my watch, so I was aware of how much employee and alumni giving matters, both internally and externally, to the University.
In talking with employees, I discovered that most would naturally give to academics. Not many were giving to Athletics, so I decided I would give to Athletics to help fill the gap.
Why do you continue to give annually?
Working at UWF, I was able to see firsthand how giving to Athletics helped fund uniforms, equipment, travel, facilities, etc. When I was a student the average age was 27 and UWF was mainly a commuter school. You would go to school, go to Whataburger, and go home. I wanted future students to have a more traditional "college" experience. Athletics is a large part of the student engagement at UWF.
UWF has played a major role in my life and it has always felt right to give back. From something that started out as a small payroll deduction years ago, has continued as a gift of gratitude and love. Giving has become second nature.
What keeps you donating year after year for over 32 years?
With the start of football, I saw a chance to get in on the ground floor. I had given specifically to a lot of individual sports in the past, but football was brand new and they needed everything. I was at a donor luncheon once where President Bense was promoting the football program. She said that if someone donates a complete football uniform, we will put your name on it! That struck a nerve with me, and I decided that's what I wanted to do.
I met Gretchen Van Valkenburg for lunch on October 22, 2013 and we discussed donating to football. At the end of our lunch, I wrote her a check for the first fully funded UWF Football uniform. No, my name is not on the uniform.
Being able to get in on the ground floor was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I could not have done this at any other University. Being able to do it at my Alma Mater, is priceless. I will keep the ball rolling as long as I can.
What makes you passionate about UWF Athletics?
Being able to start new sport, especially one as encompassing as football, and not miss a beat with the level of achievement that has taken place with all the other teams is quite impressive. It says an awful lot about the coaches, staff, and the administration. Not to mention the effort, talent, and sacrifices of all the athletes.
All UWF Athletic teams, men and women, continue to compete at a level that no other Gulf South Conference school comes close to. Just look at the number of Gulf South Conference Championships (96), National Championships (9), All-Sports Trophies, Commissioner Trophies, etc.
How can you not be passionate about UWF Athletics? I am!
