University of Illinois athletics is a tide of momentum, with its football program rising to No. 9 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll ahead of Week 3.
The positives continued on Tuesday, Sept. 9 with the school announcing a $100 million donation from Larry Gies, an Illinois alum. The school will rename the Fighting Illini’s football stadium to ‘Gies Memorial Stadium’ after the gift.
Gies is a longtime Illinois donor, as the university’s business school is also named after him following a $150 million donation in 2017. It’s the largest athletics gift ever to the school and one of the biggest in college athletics history, according to the announcement.
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Gies said the donation is in honor of his father, Larry Gies Sr., a U.S. Army veteran.
‘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 in the announcement. ‘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.’
Illinois football coach Bret Bielema and men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood shared their thoughts on the gift.
‘Larry’s love and support for Illinois is greatly appreciated,’ Bielema said. ‘He has a special ability to impact the lives of young people, not only through his philanthropy but also by establishing meaningful relationships that extend outside of our campus and athletics. Our football program feels the results of his leadership on a daily basis by understanding our emphasis on famILLy and building sustainable success. We would not be where we are today without his influence.’
Underwood added: ‘Larry is a tremendous supporter of our program, our department, and our University. The passion he has for his alma mater shines through in every conversation we have and every game he is sitting courtside cheering us on. Larry’s loyalty and championship-level commitment is extraordinary, and the impact he’s made will be felt by everyone associated with Fighting Illini Athletics for generations to come.’
Under Bielema, Illinois won a program-high 10 wins last season after beating South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. The men’s basketball program is the winningest team in Big Ten play during the last six years, and the women’s basketball team has reached the NCAA Tournament in two of coach Shauna Green’s first three seasons.
Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world.