Bret Bielema, Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Football
Bret Bielema, Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Football
University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies will serve as honorary captain for the Illinois football team during its game against Western Michigan on Saturday. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FS1.
Gies recently made a $100 million donation to Illinois Athletics, marking the largest gift in the history of the program and ranking among the biggest ever given to a college athletics department. As a result, Memorial Stadium has been renamed Gies Memorial Stadium, following just after its 100th anniversary.
The donation was made in memory of Gies' late father, Larry Gies, Sr., who served in the United States Army. "Through this contribution, Gies hopes to inspire remembrance, gratitude, and continued support for our nation's men and women in uniform."
Gies is also recognized as the namesake of the University's College of Business and is known for his philanthropy within Illinois. He is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries.
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