Last updated on November 21, 2025
May 25 — On March 17th, the Strategic Planning Working Group (SPWG) proposed a $240K reduction in funding for intercollegiate varsity athletic programs. This recommendation was submitted in accordance with the SPWG’s goal of ensuring Hampshire’s long-term financial sustainability. The suggested cuts were sent to President Wingenbach, administrative staff, and the Budget and Priorities Committee for review, but the implementation of these cost saving measures is still under consideration.
Both students and athletic staff have expressed deep concern about the potential negative impact of these budget cuts. On March 20th, Ricardo Pavanelli, ‘22 submitted an open letter to Outdoor Programs, Recreation, and Athletics (OPRA) and President Wingenbach to express gratitude for their transformative experience at OPRA and disappointment with the SPWG’s recommendation. They write that OPRA led to them discovering their “true passion and solidifying [their] purpose in college.” Moreover, they warn that “potentially losing such resources and valued members of our campus community is incredibly unsettling.”
Amanda Surgen, Associate Director of OPRA, echoed Pavanelli’s concerns. She told Leapfrog that the funding reduction could “mean a smaller OPRA team” and “could lead to the elimination of varsity athletics at Hampshire, fewer recreational opportunities, and fewer chances for students to access outdoor experiences that are often formative during their time at Hampshire.” Additionally, Surgen argued that “OPRA has never been an ‘add-on’ to the academic experience at Hampshire, as it has been part of the campus’ ‘disruption in learning’ model since its founding.”
Because of the concerns highlighted by members of the Hampshire community like Pavanelli and Surgen, the Budget and Priorities Committee is engaging in a fluid dialogue to balance the budgetary needs of the college and feedback from the campus. Eric Nazar, Assistant Director of Athletics, and Budget and Priorities Committee member Raymond Kasei, ‘23, informed Leapfrog that there have been efforts to reach a compromise to mitigate the impacts of the complete $240K reduction in athletic funding. On April 22nd, Kasei also sent an email to parts of the campus community outlining broader concerns about potential budget cuts and increases in tuition. He shared an alternate budget proposal put together by a group of students which would attempt to avoid cuts to athletics through avenues like an athletics student fee, a 25% cut to the Student Engagement budget, a 50% reduction in stipends for RAs, and athletics specific fundraising.
Like Pavanelli, Nazar expressed gratitude for his positive experience coaching students through OPRA, and he also appreciates the valid positions of the students and administration. He encourages the continued advocacy of the student body, but also stressed the uncertainty of the future of athletics at Hampshire.
REVIEWED BY: Blaise Paine, Phe O’Leary, Kenzie Doherty, Ryan Nivus
