The University of Memphis athletic department received the largest monetary donation in the department's history and the second biggest in the school's existence on Monday.
Memphis alums Bill and Nancy Laurie contributed $10 million to the capital campaign for athletic facilities. Bill was a guard on the Memphis State men's basketball team that played in the 1973 NCAA National Championship game.
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 this week, the campaign has reached 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 structures are part of the intended improvements.
To read about athletic director Tom Bowen's reaction to the donation, pick up a copy of The Daily Helmsman on Wednesday.
