Even in a down economy the University of Hawai'i athletic department managed to grow the overall worth of its corporate partner program to a record $3.1 million in the current fiscal year, a spokesman said.

UH has received $2,190,000 in cash and $916,031 from the 64 members of its decade-old corporate partner program, according to associate athletic director John McNamara, who oversees the project. Sponsorships range from $5,000 to more than $100,000.

Athletic director Jim Donovan said it was one of the few areas of revenue growth for the department in 2009.

"I think that's a testament to the job of John and his hard-working staff," Donovan said. "I think our sponsors response, even in this economy, says that UH athletics is a partnership they still highly value."

The actual cash amount for 2009-10, while above 2008-09 ($2,129,156) was slightly below the record of $2,205,993 of 2007-08 as some donors shifted contributions to trade.

McNamara said "that still works for us because those are goods and services we would have to otherwise purchase."

UH has 16 sponsors at its highest level, platinum, which requires a donation of $100,000 or more per year.

Donovan said the program has set a target of "eight to 10 percent growth" for next year. UH said it plans to off a new "diamond" level of sponsorship to clients whose donations hit $150,000 or more per year.