Appalachian State Athletics Receives $10M Gift Commitment

Appalachian State University's athletics department has announced it will be receiving a $10 million donation. ASU alumnus Mark Ricks is donating the money to support the school's Mountaineer Impact Initiative.

A university press release says the donation is the largest outright gift in the school's history. The funds will be applied to scholarships, academic programs and the construction and enhancement of facilities.

The Boone university is home to about 450 student-athletes who compete in 20 NCAA Division 1 varsity sports each year.

Ricks graduated from App State in 1989. He currently runs an equestrian sanctuary for retired show horses in Virginia.