The University of West Florida's football program has scored another big win with a $1.7 million commitment from PenAir Credit Union.
The funds will support the construction of the $50 million Darrell Gooden Stadium and establish a new endowed scholarship for future Argo student-athletes. As part of the agreement, PenAir will also become the "Official Credit Union of UWF Athletics."
The gift was announced Friday in what is now the PenAir Credit Union Field House. And premium space in the new stadium's multi-use events facility will be the PenAir Champions Club — an exclusive spot for season ticketholders.
Along with other support, this will be the second million dollar gift the UWF football program has received from PenAir. In 2016, the credit union donated $1 million for naming rights to the PenAir Field.
UWF President Emeritus Judy Bense said during the announcement on Aug. 21 that, at that time of the first gift, she didn't think it could go any better for the Argos football program.
"It's 2026 and look at where we are now — with the new stadium going up and PenAir is still a good partner. …It's a really good feeling because PenAir is solid. It's part of our community and with the Darrell Gooden Stadium going up it's a perfect transition for them," Bense said of the latest gift.
"…It's also a sign of (PenAir's) trust in us and of our success. So in a way, it's a pat on the back and it's helping us expand. The ripple effect of Division 1 is big and PenAir is at the center of it."
UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. thanked the credit union for $1.7 million donation and long-time partnership.
"For more than 15 years, PenAir Credit Union has stood beside UWF in our growth, strengthening Argo Athletics through scholarship support, sponsorships and investments that enhance the experience for our student-athletes and fans," Diaz said.
"They have been here during some of the most exciting moments in our history, including supporting our football program through playoff runs and even a national championship."
Stephanie Oram, chair of the PenAir board of directors, said the credit union's relationship and support of the university is an investment in people and the community.
"That's one of the reasons our relationship with UWF has been so meaningful. While many people know it's through athletics, we've always viewed it as an investment in education, student success and the future of our region," Oram said. "We have watched the university grow, watched student-athletes excel and watched graduates leave this campus ready to make an impact throughout our region and beyond."
Though the credit union has celebrated championships, playoff runs and game day traditions with UWF, Oram said the measure of the partnership was never found on the scoreboard.
"We found it in the students whose lives are changed through education. We found it in the student-athletes who learned the value leadership, discipline and teamwork. And it's found in the communities who benefit when those students become the teachers, nurses, business leaders, public servants and innovators of tomorrow," she added.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: PenAir Credit Union commits $1.7M to UWF football program