The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1497827
MAY/JUNE 2023 ■ 23 portunities. It made sense to help make that happen at NC State." The gift provided by the Doerens will pilot the program for five years, serving up to 50 students at a time. NC State's Division of Academic and Student Af- fairs (DASA) will preside over OnePack Empowered, and the hope is to launch the program in 2024. "As a public, land- grant institution, NC State is committed to enrolling and empow- ering a wide range of students," Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement. "We are honored to col- laborate with the Doerens to provide ad- ditional support for talented students, so they can reach their full potential. This gift truly reinforces our core values of community and inclusion. "Philanthropy helps our university in- novate and achieve an even higher level of greatness. We thank the Doerens for being leaders for the entire Wolfpack and for es- tablishing this meaningful family legacy." Doeren has accomplished a lot as a football coach. With six more wins, he would surpass Earle Edwards as the win- ningest coach in NC State football his- tory. Edwards coached from 1954-70 and led the Pack to a 77-88-8 record. Doeren, who began his head coaching career at Northern Illinois, is 72-54 at NC State since arriving in 2013. Having found the right fit in Raleigh, the Doerens sought ways to lend their support to the university community. "It's a dream come true for Sara and I to be able to help so many young people and their families with programming for students who need that," Doeren noted. "We've been a part of that with Jacob, and to be able to give back to something that's meant so much to us, it's truly one of the coolest things we've done as a married couple." The Doerens hope their gift will spur further support for the program. "This is about leveling the playing field so students can chase their dreams," Do- eren said in the statement announcing the program. "It's about hope and creating a safe place for this population of stu- dents to go and get their needs met. We are hopeful that idea resonates with a lot of alumni and other people connected to NC State." For Doeren, the gift also is part of his legacy at a place he seemingly has a hard time envisioning ever leaving. "I love working here for one, but it's a great place to work," Doeren said. "I mean, living in this city, living in this state, a lot of people would kill for that. "So, I feel blessed to have the oppor- tunity and look forward to continuing it. It's still the same goal. I want to bring a championship to NC State and will con- tinue working my butt off to make that happen." ■ Home is where the howl is. Join today at go.ncsu.edu/AAMembership #HowlBack " I'd like to open people's eyes to the fact that with just a little extra support, a lot of kids can be wildly successful. " Dave Doeren