On Tuesday, it was announced that Larry Gies made the largest donation in history to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country,” Gies said. “With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten — and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future.”
Gies noted that this $100 million donation was to honor his father, U.S. Army Veteran Larry Gies Sr. Memorial Stadium was originally dedicated to honor the 189 Illini who fought in WWI and died.
Gies’ gift to the DIA comes eight years after his $150 million donation to the College of Business, which was also renamed in his honor.
Athletic director Josh Whitman is holding a press conference today at 4 p.m. regarding Gies’ gift. Whitman also shared his gratitude for how Gies’ gift will impact the University.
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“Larry Gies is a visionary leader who invests in people and organizations that impact the world around them,” Whitman said. “I want to thank him for his belief in Illinois Athletics and the ability of our program to change the lives of our student-athletes, to advance the mission of our broader university, and to uplift the many people and communities connected to our program, both directly and indirectly. This gift is the result of years of thought-provoking conversations and is the continuation of a long-term partnership with Larry that will benefit generations of student-athletes and advance this program to even greater heights. I am grateful to Larry for his trust and confidence, and we are excited to honor him, and his veteran father, by placing their family name alongside that of our beloved Memorial Stadium.”
Various coaches, professors and veterans shared how this generous gift impacts the University, with one example being Samuel K. Skinner, who is both an alum and a veteran.
“As a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois and a veteran of the United States Army, I am grateful to Larry Gies for his selfless leadership and remarkable generosity to the University,” Skinner said. “With his most recent gift in support of Fighting Illini Athletics, he is preserving one of our state’s most treasured landmarks – a memorial to many of the men and women connected to the University who have, as President Lincoln so eloquently said, given the ‘last full measure of devotion’ in service of their country. To see the Gies name added to our stadium in honor of Larry’s father, a fellow veteran, is a fitting and lasting tribute to not only Larry and his family but also to all who have served under the banner of freedom represented by this great nation. My thanks to Larry for his transformational support of the University of Illinois and our men and women in uniform.”
The gift is still pending approval upon the Board of Trustees’ decision at its Sept. 18 meeting.
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