CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois Athletics has announced a historic $100 million donation from Larry Gies, marking the largest contribution ever made to the athletic program.
In honor of this gift, the university’s Memorial Stadium, which celebrated its 100th anniversary just a year ago, will be renamed Gies Memorial Stadium.
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) revealed the donation on Tuesday. Gies, who also has his name on the university’s College of Business, dedicated this gift to his late father, Larry Gies Sr., who served as a veteran in the United States Army.
“We are deeply thankful to Larry for this remarkable contribution,” expressed Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr in a news release. “His generosity pays tribute to his father’s memory and all who have served, while also ensuring our stadium remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty to our veterans for many generations to come.”
Larry Gies, the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, is celebrated as an influential philanthropist at the University of Illinois. This $100 million donation represents his strong belief in and support for the leadership and future direction of Illinois Athletics.
Under the decade-long leadership of Athletic Director Josh Whitman, the Fighting Illini have achieved 16 Big Ten championships across various sports. The football team claimed victory at the 2024 Citrus Bowl and holds the No. 9 ranking, the Men’s Basketball team advanced to the Elite 8 in 2024 and is the most successful in Big Ten games over the past six years, while Women’s Basketball has made two NCAA tournament appearances and secured a WBIT championship in the last three years.
“Sports is how most people first experience the University of Illinois – it’s the front door of the amazing house we are building,” Gies said. “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.”
“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.”
Illinois’ coaches are also speaking about the donation, with the DIA including the following statements from Bret Bielema, Brad Underwood and Shauna Green:
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.
Bret Bielema, Head Football 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.
Brad Underwood, Head Men’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.
Shauna Green, Head Women’s Basketball Coach
