ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ×

Fans have a way of influencing a game even the most skillful players cannot. The relentless cheers, the waves of positive energy, the emotional connectionā€”all these fan behaviors coalesced in the late Patrick Dunn ā€˜78, arguably the most high-profile fan of ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× Menā€™s Basketball over the years.

Thanks to a recent six-figure gift from the Redmond Charitable Foundation, Dunnā€™s spirited legacy will continue to reign on the court and beyond. Lovingly regarded at ā€œSuperfan Pat Dunn,ā€ he was a popular figure among players, coaches, and spectators. In 2002, he was honored as ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× Fan of the Year and in 2011 with the Sister Damien Spirit Award. Dunn died in April 2023.

Founded by another ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× alumnus, Alan Redmond ā€™06, and his wife, Shannon, the Redmond Foundation opts to shine a light on the value of sports in shaping young individuals. And for Redmond, itā€™s personal.

Hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Redmond came to ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× in the early 2000s, where he thrived. One of his most positive experiences was serving as team manager for Menā€™s Basketball under Coach Gary Manchel, now in his 21st season.

In making the gift, Redmond said, ā€œPresident Kathy Getz has implemented a winning formula within the universityā€™s athletics department. The recent promotion of Joe Spano to athletic director and the shrewd move of bringing in Sam McCrimmon as vice president for Advancement, combined with Coach Manchelā€™s success on and off the court with his lads, is beyond impressive.ā€

Funds from the foundation gift were earmarked for basketball locker rooms, which the foundation later chose to name in honor of Dunn.

ā€œThe foundation recognized the enduring impact Patrick had made on the ČÕŗ«ĀŅĀ× community, and their decision to name the locker rooms after the beloved superfan is a fitting tribute,ā€ Redmond said.