Ahead of this year's Investing In Champions, October 2-9, Queens Athletics has expanded the Royals Club, the department's athletics giving society, so that a gift to any Queens team or fund now earns membership — not just general athletic support. The change comes alongside a refreshed slate of member benefits and the launch of a new Young Alumni Royals Club for graduates from 2017 to 2026.
Every Queens team writes their own story, but they don't do it alone. Whether it's men's basketball cutting down the nets after an ASUN Championship and NCAA Tournament bid, an ASUN and NIT title for swimming and diving, another national championship for triathlon, track and field's first appearance in the DI championship, men's rugby's run to national runner-up—none of it happens without someone deciding a Queens student-athlete was worth investing in.
That's the idea behind the next chapter of the Royals Club.
One Club, However You Choose to Give
The Royals Club has always been where Queens Athletics says thank you to the people who make this possible. Until now, that recognition was reserved for general athletics gifts.
Now, support for any of our teams or athletic funds earns membership in the Royals Club. This includes:
Either way, generosity is recognized and part of what makes Queens Athletics possible.
Membership includes a refreshed set of benefits by giving level, from a Royals Club decal and newsletter access at the entry tier up through Royal Terrace hospitality, priority postseason ticket access, season tickets for the family, and exclusive experiences at the top. The full tier structure, including membership to the university's Royal Society and invitation to the annual Celebration of Generosity Luncheon, is posted at queens.edu/royals-giving.
"Every gift is an investment in our student-athletes and the experiences that help them succeed at Queens and beyond," said Cherie Swarthout, Director of Athletics. "Whether you choose to support a specific team or Athletics more broadly, you are helping us build championship programs, create transformational experiences, and position Queens to compete at the highest level. The Royals Club brings all of those supporters together as one team."
Introducing the Young Alumni Royals Club
Queens Athletics is also launching an initiative for our most recent graduates.
The new Young Alumni Royals Club welcomes graduates from 2017 to 2026 to join at the $100 level for the 2026–2027 season. Membership includes a General Admission season ticket to the sport of their choice, Royals merchandise, and invitations to private events and tailgates throughout the year.
Few people understand what this group means to Queens Athletics better than Brandon Johnson, deputy athletic director for external operations. Before he moved into administration, Johnson worked as an athletic trainer at Queens — which means for many of these graduates, he was on the sideline with them before he was ever their advocate in the front office.
"I've had the opportunity to watch many of these alumni grow from student-athletes into professionals, parents, and leaders in their communities," said Johnson. "The Young Alumni Royals Club is our way of saying come back. Sit in the terrace, wear your navy and gold, catch up with old teammates at a tailgate, and know that showing up for us again means just as much as it used to when you were the one in uniform."
Join the Club
Whether a Royal for decades, a new grad finding your place in the city, a parent who has been there for every step that led to Division I play, or a Charlottean who is proud to have Queens in the neighborhood, the invitation is the same: pick a level, choose how to give, and become part of the team that invests in champions.
Learn more and join at queensathletics.com/royalsclub.
