Chambana Sun

University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has committed $100 million to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), marking the largest gift in DIA history and one of the largest ever for a college athletics program. The donation will result in the renaming of Memorial Stadium to Gies Memorial Stadium, pending approval by the Board of Trustees at its September 18, 2025 meeting.

Gies is making this contribution in memory of his late father, Larry Gies, Sr., a United States Army veteran. He stated, "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. 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."

Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. expressed gratitude for the donation: "We are profoundly grateful to Larry for this extraordinary gift. His generosity not only honors the memory of his father and all who have served, but it also ensures that our stadium will continue to stand proudly as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of our veterans for the next 100 years and beyond."

The donation comes at a time when Fighting Illini Athletics has achieved significant success under Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. In 2024, Illinois Football matched its school record with 10 wins and secured its first New Year's Bowl victory since 1989 by winning the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The team finished No. 16 in the final AP poll—their highest ranking since 2001—and began the following season with strong performances against Western Illinois and Duke.

Illinois Men's Basketball reached its sixth consecutive 20-win regular season in 2025 after an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2024 and remains the Big Ten's winningest team over head coach Brad Underwood's six-year tenure. The women's basketball program also made progress under coach Shauna Green with two NCAA Tournament bids in three years and captured its first WBIT title in 2024.

Gies commented on his support: "Sports is how most people first experience the University of Illinois – it's the front door of the amazing house we are building... 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."

Whitman described Gies as "a visionary leader who invests in people and organizations that impact the world around them," adding: "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... This gift 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."

Gies has previously supported education, health initiatives, and military families through philanthropy such as receiving the Semper Fidelis Award from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in 2023 for supporting need-based scholarships for military children. He serves as president of the Gies Foundation—focused on democratizing education—and was instrumental in establishing Chicago Jesuit Academy’s tuition-free campus on Chicago’s West Side. In recognition of a $150 million gift from his family in 2017, UIUC renamed its business school as Gies College of Business.

He is also founder and CEO of Madison Industries.

Head football coach Bret Bielema said: "Larry's love and support for Illinois is greatly appreciated. He has a special ability to impact...our football program feels the results...by understanding our emphasis on famILLy and building sustainable success..."

Men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood called Gies’ commitment “extraordinary,” saying: "The passion he has for his alma mater shines through...Larry's loyalty and championship-level commitment is extraordinary..."

Women’s basketball coach Shauna Green added: "We are so fortunate to have visionary Larry Gies in our corner...His relentless positive energy...transforms lives..."

Dean W. Brooke Elliott noted: "Larry has been an amazing partner for us at Gies College of Business for many years..."

Samuel K. Skinner said: "...With his most recent gift...he is preserving one of our state's most treasured landmarks – a memorial to many men and women connected to [UIUC] who have...given...'the last full measure of devotion'..."

Lieutenant Colonel Zachary S. Miller stated: "...For a century [Memorial Stadium]'s name has been a living tribute...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..."

Howard Milton said: "...This gift makes it clear: donors support programs to which they feel a strong connection..."