Ashley (Stewart) Bolling, a 2008 graduate of Cornell University, and her husband Michael Bolling have pledged a $1 million gift to the Cornell women’s gymnastics program. The commitment, announced on March 17, is the largest in the program’s history and will be delivered over the next decade.
The donation aims to enhance nearly every aspect of the student-athlete experience for Cornell gymnasts. Dr. Nicki Moore, Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, said, “This gift is transformational not just in size, but in spirit. It reflects a deep belief in women’s athletics and in the lasting power of relationships formed through sport. When alumni give in ways that are this personal and intentional, it animates our imagination regarding what we’re able to offer our student-athletes.”
Ashley Bolling recalled how important the gymnastics team was during her time at Cornell: “Gymnastics was a lifeline,” she said. “It wasn’t just about gymnastics. It was the team. The coaches. The family. When other parts of school felt hard, that was the thing that got me out of bed.” Despite modest facilities and limited resources during her college years, she emphasized that strong relationships made all the difference.
Michael Bolling also credited his athletic experience at Cornell with opening doors for him academically and professionally: “My Cornell degree opened doors,” he said. “Football opened doors. The rest worked itself out.” Both Ashley and Michael studied entomology as undergraduates—a shared academic path that eventually brought them together.
The Bollings hope their contribution will provide tangible improvements for current and future gymnasts, including facility upgrades such as a new competition floor named after their family—the Bolling Family Competition Floor—and better travel opportunities for athletes. Melanie Hall, now head coach of the program and former assistant coach during Ashley’s career, said: “When our student-athletes step onto the Bolling Family Competition Floor, I want them to feel the support of their alumni family and know that with every routine they perform they believe in them… That belief raises expectations—not just competitively, but in how we show up and support one another as a team.” Hall added: “To have former gymnasts return and say, ‘This team impacted my life in numerous ways, and I want it to matter just as much, if not more, for future CU gymnasts,’ is incredibly meaningful.”
The couple expressed hope that their gift would inspire others to support women’s sports at Cornell but stressed that their motivation was deeply personal—rooted in gratitude for experiences gained through athletics at the university.
