BURLINGTON, Vt. — The University of Vermont Department of Athletics has received a $1.2 million gift from the estate of Fred and Ann Curran. In recognition of this gift, and to honor two of Catamount Country's most loyal supporters, the current Director of Athletics Discretionary Fund will be renamed the Fred and Ann Curran Director of Athletics Discretionary Fund.

The fund provides the Director of Athletics with flexible resources to address the most pressing and strategic needs across UVM Athletics, and to enhance the student-athlete experience. Priorities supported by the fund include leadership development for student-athletes, travel for high-level out-of-region competition, academic support, and career and life skills programming, as well as emerging opportunities and needs across the department.

The gift honors the remarkable legacy of Fred and Ann Curran and their deep connection to the University of Vermont and the Burlington community.

Fred, who passed away in May 2025 at age 80, joined UVM immediately after completing his graduate degree at Boston College and spent more than 30 years at the university as Director of Institutional Research, including a period as assistant provost. He became a highly regarded administrator and was known for his extraordinary knowledge of UVM and higher education. Following his retirement, he remained connected to the university through his service on the executive board of UVM's Retired Faculty and Administrative Officers Organization.

Ann, who passed away in December 2022 at age 77, also had a strong connection to UVM. She earned her master's degree in communications from the university before beginning a nearly four-decade career at Vermont Educational Television, now Vermont Public. She held a number of senior leadership positions, including manager of marketing and communications and, later, legislative liaison. She was named Vermont Broadcaster of the Year in 2009 and was widely admired for her warmth, humor, leadership, and ability to mentor and support others.

Fred and Ann met as college students in Rochester, New York, married in 1970, and made Burlington their home. During their 52-year marriage, they built a life filled with family, friends, travel, birding, good food, and opera, while also giving generously of their time and talents to their community.

UVM was an important part of the life they built together. Fred was a passionate supporter of Catamount Athletics, particularly men's basketball and men's ice hockey. He and Ann were courtside regulars at Patrick Gym and at hockey games, including the Frozen Four, and took great pride in following generations of Catamount student-athletes and teams. Fred was also known throughout the UVM community for his warmth, humor, and extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome.

"Fred and Ann were extraordinary supporters of our student-athletes and coaches and, on a personal level, were wonderful friends," said UVM Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman. "This incredibly generous gift, along with other gifts to the fund, will help provide me and future UVM athletic directors with critical resources to support our amazing student-athletes. We are so grateful for their generosity and for the lasting impact they will have on UVM Athletics."

Donations to the Fred and Ann Curran Director of Athletics Discretionary Fund can be made through the UVM Foundation or by contacting Wil Nelms, Director of Major Gifts for Athletics Giving, at 802-656-3069.