News: Illinois Athletics Receives their Largest Donation in Program History

Gies: “Sports is how most people first experience the University of Illinois – it’s the front door of the amazing house we are building. Josh and the entire DIA team embody the ethos that is so important to our beloved University. I fully support Josh’s mission and the culture he has built at Illinois Athletics. Illini sports moments bring our Orange & Blue community closer together, and I am so looking forward to the memories we create together in the coming years.”

A transformational gift at a transformational time.

University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a $100 million gift to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the largest gift in the history of the department. In recognition of Gies’ contribution, Illinois’… pic.twitter.com/ijGvGEeFtw

— Illinois Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) September 9, 2025

Illinois Athletics Director Josh Whitman and More Comment On The Game-Changing Donation

Whitman – “Larry Gies is a visionary leader who invests in people and organizations that impact the world around them,” said Whitman. “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.”

Bret Bielema, Head Football Coach

“Larry’s love and support for Illinois is greatly appreciated. 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.”

Brad Underwood, Head Men’s Basketball Coach

“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.”

Shauna Green, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

“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. Larry’s allegiance to the University of Illinois is unparalleled, and we are thankful to have his support as we continue building a program that he and everyone associated with Illinois can be proud of.”

W. Brooke Elliott, Dean, Gies College of Business

“Larry has been an amazing partner for us at Gies College of Business for many years. He’s an incredible person who understands and embraces the importance of being visible and involved in the programs he supports. 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 in service to our entire Illini community.”

Samuel K. Skinner, United States Army (1957-68), University of Illinois Alumnus (Class of 1960), U.S. Secretary of Transportation (1989-91), Secretary of U.S. Coast Guard (1989-91), White House Chief of Staff (1991-92)

“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. 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.”

Zachary S. Miller, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army; Professor and Head, Department of Military Science, University of Illinois Army ROTC

“Larry Gies’s gift, honoring his father’s service, gives us a renewed opportunity to celebrate both our traditions and our future. As an active-duty Soldier and career officer with over 18 years of service, and as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois, I understand the deep meaning of Memorial Stadium to veterans, families, and our community. For a century, its name has been a living tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. The addition of the Gies name — honoring a fellow Army veteran — strengthens our promise that Illinois will always remain a place where sacrifice is remembered, service is honored, and future generations are inspired by the Fighting Illini spirit.”

Howard Milton, DIA Chief Development Officer

“Working with Larry, Josh, and others to make this vision a reality has, in many ways, reaffirmed the work that we undertake daily with our donors. This gift makes it clear: donors support programs to which they feel a strong connection. Larry has a deep connection with Gies College of Business, Fighting Illini Athletics, Memorial Stadium, and Illinois Football. Our entire department couldn’t be more grateful.”

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