Larry Gies’ Gift to Illinois Athletics Celebrated by University Leaders and Veterans
A significant gift from University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies is being lauded by leaders across the institution and the veteran community, solidifying his legacy of support for both academics and athletics. The donation will result in Memorial stadium being renamed Gies Stadium, honoring Gies and his father, a veteran of the United States Army.
University of Illinois Athletics Director Josh Whitman expressed profound gratitude,stating,”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.”
The impact extends beyond athletics. Shauna Green, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, highlighted Gies’s inspirational leadership, saying, “We are so fortunate to have the visionary Larry Gies in our corner.His relentless, positive energy and servant leadership transforms lives and inspires us as coaches.”
W. Brooke Elliott, Dean of the Gies College of Business, emphasized the long-standing partnership between Gies and the University, noting, ”Larry has been an amazing partner for us… We’re so proud to have the Gies name on our College – and now our football stadium. We’ve always had a strong partnership with athletics, and we look forward to continuing to grow that partnership.”
The gift resonated deeply with those who have served in the military.Samuel K.Skinner, a University of Illinois alumnus, veteran, and former White House Chief of Staff, expressed his gratitude for Gies’s “selfless leadership and remarkable generosity.” He specifically noted the significance of honoring veterans, stating the stadium serves as “a memorial to many of the men and women connected to the University who have… given the ’last full measure of devotion’ in service of their country.”
Zachary S. Miller, Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois Army ROTC, echoed this sentiment. He stated the gift “gives us a renewed opportunity to celebrate both our traditions and our future,” and affirmed the stadium’s importance as “a living tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.” He added that adding the Gies name “strengthens our promise that illinois will always remain a place where sacrifice is remembered, service is honored.”
Howard Milton, DIA Chief Development Officer, underscored the importance of donor connection to programs, stating, “This gift makes it clear: donors support programs to wich they feel a strong connection. Larry has a deep connection with Gies College of Business, Fighting Illini Athletics, Memorial Stadium, and Illinois Football.”
