Alumnus donates $3 million to State Farm Center

By Daily Illini Staff Report

The State Farm Center received a $3 million donation from 1960 graduate and former basketball player Mannie Jackson.

As part of the renovation of State Farm Center, the donation will support the new Mannie L. Jackson University of Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a press release.

The hall of fame will contain basketball memorabilia from team history and will be accessible to fans year-round.  

Jackson will be recognized for his donation Saturday during the men’s basketball game against Iowa, according to the release.

In the 1957-58 season, Jackson and teammate Governor Vaughn were the first African-Americans to start and letter for the basketball team. Jackson graduated in 1960, being named team captain and an All-American his senior year. Jackson’s number is honored in the rafters at the State Farm Center.

Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!

  • Catch the latest on University of Illinois news, sports, and more. Delivered every weekday.
  • Stay up to date on all things Illini sports. Delivered every Monday.
Thank you for subscribing!