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Drexel alum, and former football All-American Vince Vidas and his wife Judy have donated to the Drexel University Crew Program a $1 million gift as the lead effort in the $3 Million “Give Me Ten Campaign” to invigorate the University’s 50-year-old crew program. The Vidas family has been a longtime supporter of the University. Vince and Judy led the campaign to revitalize Drexel’s athletic fields at 43rd and Powelton, which now bear the Vidas name in their honor. Related to the upgrades in the Vidas athletic facilities, the men’s soccer and men’s lacrosse teams won the competitive CAA regular championship for the first time ever last season. While the traditions of Drexel crew have been built and great strides have been made Drexel President Dr. Constantine Papadakis said “a great effort is needed to allow this program to reach the level of prominence it deserves. With the leadership and generosity exhibited by Mr. and Mrs. Vidas, I am convinced that our University community will follow suit and help this campaign toward a successful completion.”The gift jump-starts the fundraising efforts to strategically allow second-year Head Coach Paul Savell the resources to build the program into a perennial Dad Vail Regatta contender, competing nationally in the IRA and NCAA Championships, and contending regularly at the Henley Regatta in England. “With a prime location on Boathouse Row and the enthusiastic support of the athletic department and friends, this team has a lot of potential to be realized,” Savell said. “This is our opportunity to put Drexel on the rowing map.” Vince Vidas, who also played one season of both basketball and lacrosse, is one of the most decorated football players ever to step on the gridiron at Drexel. Vince has the distinction of being the only Drexel football player ever named to two All-America teams. Vidas, a 1959 graduate, was a captain of the team as a senior. “I am so proud of what President Papadakis and Dr. Zillmer have accomplished with Drexel Athletics over the years,” said Vidas. “Their vision and leadership have been superb. It is a pleasure to be able to help assist them with this latest athletic endeavor.”News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, Assistant Director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu