HAMDEN, Conn.  –– Quinnipiac University has donated $48,000 to fund Hamden Middle School’s athletic programs this upcoming academic year. 

The donation comes as part of a collaboration between the university and the town of Hamden after a decreased school budget passed on June 3. 

The smaller budget caused a $2.8 million shortfall of funds that Hamden Public Schools superintendent, Gary Highsmith, requested the town allocate for the middle school. 

The deficit not only forced the removal of athletics from the upcoming school year but also resulted in the termination of 18 full-time positions. 

Highsmith said the decision to remove sports programs was to “keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible” and to prevent additional layoffs.

Just two days after the middle school announced the removal of athletic programs, Quinnipiac shared its initiative to help fund the school’s sports programs. 

According to NBC Connecticut, Mayor Garrett thanked the university for their donation. “As Mayor, I understand the importance of athletics for our Hamden families, and as a mom of a kid headed to Hamden Middle School this fall, we are excited to cheer for our young Hamden Dragons!”

University officials have also commented on Quinnipiac’s partnership with the town of Hamden. 

“The well-being of the entire community of Hamden is a vital priority for Quinnipiac,” shared University President Judy Olian in an official statement from NBC Connecticut. “We are delighted and gratified to be able to support middle school sports — investing in the future success and healthy development of the youth of Hamden.”

Funding Hamden Middle School athletics aligns with Quinnipiac’s “Building Bobcats: Developing Youth Sports” program, which launched in 2023. 

“In collaboration with Mayor Garrett, we are pleased to show our support for Hamden’s middle school athletics, which is in direct alignment with our Building Bobcats program, a community outreach initiative led by Quinnipiac athletics, designed to foster youth player development and encourage the expansion of youth sports in the Greater New Haven region,” Bethany Zemba, vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff at Quinnipiac said.

The university has pledged to continue supporting the Hamden community moving forward.