Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Athletics is proud to announce a historic and transformational gift from longtime benefactors Robert R. Jojo '87 and Linda Pitzi Jojo, B.S. '87, M.S. '92. This landmark contribution will support three major initiatives that reflect the Jojos' deep commitment to the advancement of RPI's student-athletes and the future of women's sports at the Institute.
The first element of the gift establishes the Carol Stiff Endowment for Women's Basketball, named in honor of one of the most influential women's basketball figures in RPI history. The endowment will provide long-term support for the program and its student-athletes. In addition to the endowment, the gift includes enhanced annual operational funding for the women's basketball assistant coaching position, offering stability and competitive resources to help the program grow and thrive.
A third and highly innovative component of the Jojo family's gift is a challenge initiative that will launch the RPI Sports Performance & Wellness Department. This portion of the gift will be unlocked once $250,000 is raised through the support of alumni, families, and friends of the Institute. The department will focus on optimizing the full development of student-athletes using a multidisciplinary approach grounded in data, technology, and holistic wellness. Once activated, the challenge gift will allow RPI Athletics to invest in staffing, equipment, and programming that prioritize the complete athletic experience.
The multi-year vision also includes the hiring of a Director of Sports Performance, who will lead the data-driven approach to training that aligns with injury prevention, recovery science, and sport-specific goals. The athletic training space will also include future upgrades to equipment, as well as enhancements to the aqua therapy pool and the implementation of new technology to support injury rehabilitation and load management.
Beyond physical training, the Sports Performance & Wellness Department will also provide development opportunities focused on nutrition, sleep, mental wellness, and recovery strategies. By integrating workshops, speaker events, and personalized education, RPI Athletics will ensure student-athletes are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive both on and off the field.
"I am deeply grateful to the Jojo Family and their extraordinary investment in RPI Athletics. It underscores the belief that athletic success begins with comprehensive support for our student-athletes. Through this challenge gift, we will be able to push RPI athletics to a new competitive edge for generations to come — one that champions performance, well-being, and the pursuit of excellence through the use of data, technology and other holistic means," said
Dr. Kristie Bowers, Director of Athletics.
This challenge gift will be unlocked once $250,000 in donor support has been raised. Those interested in learning more about the project, including naming opportunities and multi-year pledges, are encouraged to contact Laura Sadowski at 518-276-2561 or via email at
sadowl@rpi.edu.
