The University of Pennsylvania has announced a $3 million gift from H. Elliott Rogers, Jr., C’72, WG’75, and Gail Underwood Rogers, CW’73, WG’75, to ensure support for student-athletes competing in track & field and cross country at Penn.  

“Penn’s track and field program has roots dating back more than 150 years,” said Penn Interim President J. Larry Jameson. “This storied history is further strengthened thanks to longstanding support from devoted alumni like Elliott and Gail Rogers. Their generosity will ensure that current and future student-athletes are poised to build on this tradition of success for generations to come.”

For 45 years, Elliott and Gail Rogers have directed their philanthropy to Quaker sprinters, hurdlers, runners, and throwers. Their newest commitment will support head and assistant coaching positions and provide additional funding for programmatic needs including travel to competitions, state-of-the-art equipment, enhanced recruiting abilities, and an increased emphasis on student wellness and nutrition.

“With this gift, Penn Athletics now has more resources to bolster the ongoing needs of our track & field and cross country programs,” said Alanna W. Shanahan, C’96, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. “We are so grateful to Elliott and Gail Rogers for inspiring our talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential. This exceptional gift builds on their enduring support and underscores their dedication to these programs and the students who benefit from them.”

Mr. and Ms. Rogers each earned an MBA from Wharton in 1975. They are both retired from careers in finance. Elliott Rogers is currently a member of the Penn Athletics Board of Advisors and the Penn Athletics Track & Field Sports Board.

“Gail and I firmly believe that Penn’s track and field program can grow even stronger with a robust endowment,” said Elliott Rogers. “This gift is a continued vote of confidence in our student-athletes under the direction of coach Steve Dolan and in athletic director Alanna Shanahan and her leadership team.”

Previous gifts from the Rogers have been instrumental in helping Penn maintain world-class facilities for Penn runners, including the installation of a new surface for the track at Franklin Field. Additionally, they endowed the Rogers Family Assistant Coach position, and in 2001 they established the James P. Tuppeny Men’s Track and Field Endowment Fund, which provides ongoing operational support for Penn’s varsity running programs.

In 2021, the Rogers endowed the Rogers-O’Hern Lyons Track/Oval inside Franklin Field to recognize Kate O’Hern Lyons, C’86, for her long-standing commitment to Penn’s track and field program and the Penn Athletics Board of Advisors. “I was deeply honored that Elliott and Gail chose to pay tribute in such a meaningful way,” said Ms. O’Hern Lyons. “They embody the mission of Penn Athletics, and their generosity will ensure that Penn’s coaches and student-athletes have an unrivaled experience.”

“We are so grateful for Elliott and Gail’s ongoing support,” said Steve Dolan, the James P. Tuppeny/Betty J. Costanza Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. “Their unwavering commitment to supporting Penn Athletics continues to impact and elevate the holistic student-athlete experience.”