It was a win-win the night of Feb. 23, as Greater Nevada Credit Union presented the University of Nevada, Reno's Pride of the Sierra marching band an annual check of $45,000 during the men's basketball 85-77 win against Boise State University. University of Nevada, Reno President, Marc Johnson and Will Plenk, director of Athletic Bands, accepted the check on behalf of the University.

Greater Nevada Credit Union's fundraising campaign, "It's Time to Support the Band," began in 2012, and the credit union continues to support the band by pledging a $20,000 sponsorship and a dollar-for-dollar matching gift up to $25,000. Greater Nevada challenges the community to raise funds for the band, as fundraising efforts will continue to June 30 to reach the $25,000 goal.

"Many key elements of our program continue to be supported by our partnership with GNCU, including student scholarships, travel, instrument replacements and upgrades, and teaching staff," Plenk said. "All of these are essential to the success of the program."

The Pride of the Sierra has been the University's sound of school spirit since 1981. During the past 36 years, about 4,000 students from all university disciplines have played in the band. Since the partnership began with Greater Nevada, the band has seen an immense amount of growth, resulting in 190 members in the program - the most the band has seen at the University.