The Schmidt Family Foundation has made a gift commitment of $670,000 to implement a Director of Athletics Mental Health Services position within Florida Atlantic University Athletics, while also establishing the FAU Athletics Mental Health Fund.
“Given current events and increasing pressures facing student-athletes, the need to address mental wellness has never been more urgent,” the Schmidt family said. “We hope this mental health fund will be a catalyst to offer FAU’s student-athletes and teams the personalized support, resources and tools needed to thrive in this competitive environment. Establishing the FAU Athletics Mental Health Fund is just the start of what we hope will be an innovative and growing mental health and wellness program.”
FAU Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White said the gift from the long-time supporters of FAU is an important step in the overall development and well-being of FAU student-athletes.
“The health and well-being of our student-athletes is our absolute highest priority,” White said. “Enhancing our mental health resources is critical to the holistic approach we are taking regarding student-athlete wellness. We are tremendously grateful to the Schmidt Family for their incredibly generous support of this important initiative.”
The Schmidt Family Foundation and FAU encourages others to support the FAU Athletics Mental Health Fund. Those interested in learning more may click here or contact Michael Graffin via email at mgraffin@fau.edu or by phone at 845.499.3428.