The University of Memphis athletic department received a gift of epic proportion Monday from two Tiger alum of the class of 1973.
The donation was the largest in the athletic department's history and the second biggest in the University's existence. Bill and Nancy Laurie contributed $10 million to the Capital Campaign for athletic facilities.
Bill earned his fortune as a real estate developer, and Nancy is the founder of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet in New York City and is the daughter of Wal-Mart co-founder James "Bud" Walton. Bill and Nancy are also former owners of the NHL's St. Louis Blues.
Bill was a guard on the Memphis State men's basketball team that played in the 1973 NCAA National Championship game.
U of M athletic director Tom Bowen said Bill was a highly recruited student-athlete who came to Memphis State to play for then men's basketball coach Gene Bartow.
"He was a two year starter and played on the 1973 team that reached the NCAA Championship game versus UCLA," Bowen said.
The Capital Campaign benefits the athletic facilities at the U of M's Park Avenue Campus, which houses the majority of the athletic practice facilities for Tiger sports. U of M Interim President Brad Martin announced the campaign 120 days ago and after the significant contribution by the Laurie family, the campaign has now achieved 25 percent of the $40 million goal.
A new men's basketball practice and training facility, indoor football practice complex, softball clubhouse and renovations to existing facilities are part of the intended improvements.
Bowen said donations and donor support impact the athletic department every day.
"This is a capital gift for our Capital Campaign for facilities," he said. "It is the lead gift and a challenge to our donors and Tiger Nation to join in and support our campaign. Donations like these allow for our Division 1A FBS program to continue to pursue the goal of winning conference and postseason championships at the highest level of competition."
