Don Carunchio and his late wife, Camille, have been coming to UWF games since 1997 and have been giving to Athletics for about 12 years. Don and his wife now have 3 endowments for the athletics programs and continue their generosity by giving to every team at UWF. You can always find Don in the stands of many UWF games with a big smile on his face.

Thank you, Don, for all you do and for making UWF a better place.
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Why do you give to UWF Athletics?  
Short answer - because I can!  Prior to retirement, I was a Guidance Counselor at the Navy College Office at NAS Pensacola.  I saw first-hand the power of a college degree as service members were exiting/retiring from the military.  So now I have an opportunity to give back to the community that I have called home these past 36 years.  My late wife Camille and I first attended a UWF basketball game back in 1997.  We both enjoyed sports and we slowly expanded our attendance to UWF baseball and softball.  After I completely retired we branched out to watching soccer and volleyball.   Instead of going to the race track or casinos, we decided to spend our leisure time watching UWF sports.   Nothing finer than to kick back on a beautiful spring day and watch a baseball game and if the opportunity arises to smell the roses.   Even though the admission prices to UWF sports are very inexpensive it does costs money so we allocated a portion of our entertainment budget to supporting UWF sports.     

Why do you continue to give annually?
I think Camille and I began contributing to UWF Athletics about 12 years ago.  We joined the Argo Athletic Club so that really began our giving.  Shortly after Camille passed, I established a Biology endowment/scholarship in her memory at her Alma Mater, Delta State University.  She loved Delta State and was a lifetime member of the DSU Alumni Association.  When the DSU teams came to Pensacola, Camille donned her Delta State colors and cheered for her Alma Mater.  She was a Biology major so it was fitting and just to make the commitment to the DSU Science Department.  There was no way I was going to fund a DSU Athletic scholarship.  Once that was accomplished I decided to establish a UWF Women's Soccer endowment/scholarship in her memory.  We had attended the National Championship game in 2012.  After the win Camille remarked that the evening and the game were a surreal experience for her.  A few months later she told me that UWF Women's Soccer had replaced UWF Women's Basketball as her favorite UWF sport.  So with help from Brett Berg and Tori Fish Bennett the endowment/scholarship became a reality and was established.  Then a very dangerous situation arose -- I starting thinking.  Instead of waiting until I joined Camille in her penthouse residence at Barrancas why not establish a Don Carunchio UWF Women's Basketball Endowment/Scholarship. Let me enjoy the satisfaction of helping a student athlete achieve their goal of playing basketball and earning their college degree.  Once again Brett and Tori assisted in the project.        

What keeps you donating year after year and to every single sports team at UWF no less? 
Short answer - why not?  The two endowments/scholarships were each a five-year pledge and I'm happy to say that my obligation to the pledges is complete.  In addition, I have been able to contribute to some of the teams when they have been involved with special projects or events.  It was my pleasure to donate to the football team for their uniform and the locker projects.  My personal needs are few, so I'm able to provide additional support as long as it is in the budget.  Guido, my financial accountant, is not pleased when I spend money outside of the yearly budget.  As to making a donation to every sport team "Godfather Vito" told me in a dream some time ago "Donny, give all the teams a taste."  You don't want to disappoint the "Godfather."    

What makes you passionate about UWF Athletics? 
I enjoy watching sports.  UWF Athletics is the best kept secret in Pensacola.  Lately I have noticed a number of strange faces attending the games so I have to arrive early to claim my lucky seats.  However I hope these new people keep coming back and become regulars as this is inexpensive wholesome family entertainment.   I have come to know a number of the Athletic Department Staff, the Coaches, their Staffs, and some of the student athletes.  I marvel that the Student Athlete's GPAs are higher than the student body average GPA.  I have met many fine individuals who are members of the Argo Athletic Club.  Attending the games and Athletic Department events is my hobby and also a social experience.  In closing, please make a donation to your favorite UWF team; you won't regret it and "GO ARGOS"!