Black and white team photo of the 1972 Princeton freshman football team

The 1972 freshman football team. Don Grasso is wearing No. 63 in the second row, seventh from the right.

Gifts

Princeton receives gift to endow football offensive coordinator position

November 12, 2025

The Princeton University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the endowment of the football team’s offensive coordinator coaching position in honor of the Class of 1976. Made possible by Don Grasso ’76, this gift will create The Class of 1976 Offensive Coordinator Endowed Fund in support of the football program.

“We cannot thank Don enough for this thoughtful gift in recognition of the great Class of 1976,” said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack ’00. “Assistant coach endowments are very impactful for our teams, and we are thrilled that the football program will benefit in such a meaningful way.”

A former football student-athlete his freshman year, Grasso was motivated to make this gift by the transformative impact of his experience at Princeton: “I’m grateful to make this gift in honor of the Class of 1976 for our 50th Reunion, and I am so happy that I can give back to Princeton and its student-athletes.”

Dating back to the inaugural intercollegiate football game in 1869, the football program is steeped in history and traditionally has been among the best in the Ivy League and nationally. The Tigers have won 28 national championships, 13 Ivy League championships and one Heisman Trophy (Dick Kazmaier ’51). As a group, the Tigers have secured 56 first-team All-American honors, and 47 former players have gone on to represent the Orange and Black in the National Football League.

“On behalf of the Princeton football program, we want to extend our immense appreciation to Don Grasso ’76. This donation honors the dedication and successes of our Princeton football brotherhood, fosters connection between generations of alumni, and creates opportunities for current and future student-athletes to continue to build on their legacy,” said Charles W. Caldwell Jr. ’25 Head Coach of Football Bob Surace ’90. “Don’s support will help provide a transformational experience for generations of student-athletes to come and we’re truly grateful.”

For information about supporting Princeton Athletics, contact Kellie Staples, senior associate director of athletics, Advancement/SWA at kgale@princeton.edu or 609.258.6696.

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Jim Barlow '91, Head Coach, Men's Soccer

Princeton Athletics Receives Anonymous Gift to Endow the Men’s Soccer Head Coach Position

Princeton Athletics is pleased to announce the endowment of the head men’s soccer coaching position. The gift was made by an anonymous donor in honor of the leadership of Jim Barlow ’91, the program’s men’s head coach for the last quarter century, and in support of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs.

Gift from Cynthia Paul ’94 and Scott Levy sets foundation for Princeton Softball’s future home

Cynthia Paul, a Princeton softball student-athlete from the Class of 1994, and her husband, Scott Levy, have made a gift — a Princeton Athletics record for an Athletics alumna — that will help build a new softball stadium on the Lake Campus, the planned University development on the south side of Lake Carnegie.

Dedication ceremony for Cynthia Lynn Paul ’94 Field

University dedicates athletics facilities in the new Meadows Neighborhood

Members of the Princeton University community gathered at the University’s new Meadows Neighborhood on April 25 to celebrate the dedication of athletics facilities made possible by a series of gifts to the Venture Forward campaign.

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