Anderson University is taking a major step toward adding a Trojan football program, having secured a 25-year naming rights agreement with Spero Financial, one of South Carolina’s largest federal credit unions.
Representatives from Spero Financial and Anderson University on Wednesday finalized the $1 million agreement. The financial support is a partnership to create Spero Financial Field at Dr. Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium ahead of the first season of Trojan football, planned for the fall of 2024.
“With three locations in Anderson, our roots run deep in the community,” said Spero Financial President and CEO Brian McKay. “Anderson University shares this same commitment to the community. We know that football games bring people together; that’s where real community happens.”
Anderson University in 2019 announced its intention to create an NCAA Division II football program. Upstate South Carolina philanthropist and friend of the University, Dr. Melvin Younts, is providing $3 million as a challenge gift in support of the initiative. Spero Financial is among the partners helping realize Dr. Younts’ gift with the goal of securing a total of $6 million needed to launch the program.
“Anderson University is deeply appreciative of the support of Spero Financial, and its leadership for capturing our vision of the future of Trojan athletics,” said Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. “This generous gift will help continue our growth as one of the leading Christian universities in the nation.”
In addition to football, Spero Financial Field at Dr. Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium will host Anderson University men’s and women’s lacrosse; men’s and women’s soccer; campus activities; and community events.
“We are so thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Spero Financial,” said Anderson University Vice President for Athletics Dr. Bert Epting. “The investment they have made in our university and specifically our Athletics Department will be transformational for our student-athletes and their student experience. We could not be more excited to name our field after them.”
The announcement comes following a meeting of the Spero Financial Board of Directors. Mr. McKay, President Whitaker and Dr. Epting joined Spero Senior Vice President of Sales and Lending Robert Wilson and the Spero Executive Team in guiding a tour of the campus, helping cast a vision of the future of Trojan athletics.
“It is an honor to partner with such a well-respected and renowned university,” Mr. McKay said. “Through this partnership with AU Athletics, Spero Financial will deepen our commitment of stability and longevity in the Anderson community; have greater opportunity to inspire and nurture financial hope through hosting staff, student-athlete, and community financial workshops; and foster future, top talent by hosting AU student interns. As a result, we know that Spero, Anderson University and the communities we serve will be even better places to live, work and play.”