$200K donation a ‘slam dunk’ to support BU Bobcat basketball student-athletes

A pair of Brandon University Bobcat alumni are coming off the bench for their best assist yet. Jill and Warren Watt, who each played for their respective Bobcat basketball squads in the late 1980s at BU, have generously donated $200,000 to support future generations of student-athletes.

“Both on and off the court, Bobcat student-athletes are committed to their teammates, to our campus, and to our community. Alumni like Jill and Warren Watt show how that is a lasting commitment,” said BU Athletics Director Russ Paddock, a former university student-athlete himself. “Investing in the next generation of athletes is a slam dunk and we are so thankful for the Watts’ generous donation, which will contribute significantly to the growth and success of both our men’s and women’s Bobcats basketball programs and help us drive a culture of excellence and achievement.”

Jill and Warren Watt share fond memories of their time at Brandon University. Jill was named an Academic All-Canadian in the 1989–90 season and received the Student Council Athletics H.S Perdue Memorial Trophy, recognizing her leadership on and off the court. Warren was also an accomplished athlete, contributing to successful seasons with the men’s basketball team from 1985 to 1987 — including a national championship.

Recognizing the impact that scholarships and bursaries had on their own experiences, the Watts have established the Watt Donation Fund to provide similar opportunities for future generations of BU Bobcats. Their vision is to support deserving student-athletes within the men’s and women’s Bobcats basketball programs, encouraging community engagement, leadership, and academic success through sport.

This new $200,000 donation will create scholarship-bursaries for eligible student basketball players, with equal distribution between the men’s and women’s teams.

“Jill and Warren Watt’s commitment to Brandon University will strengthen our teams well into the future,” said Carla Eisler, Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at BU. “Their incredible generosity reminds us all of the importance of giving back to our communities and the difference that one person can make in someone else’s journey. These funds will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes, providing the support they need.”

Brandon University extends its sincere appreciation to Jill and Warren Watt for their dedication to the university and their commitment to the development of student-athletes.

The donation was officially announced at the Bobcat basketball home games on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Playing the Saskatchewan Huskies at the BU Healthy Living Centre, the BU Bobcats lost the women’s match 41–105 while the men netted a 78–71 victory at Alumni Night.

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