Kevin Ollie Pledges $100,000 for UConn Basketball Champions Center
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Current Husky head coach has experienced program at every level.
STORRS, Conn. —University of Connecticut head men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie has pledged a gift of $100,000 towards the construction of the UConn Basketball Champions Center.
“I thought it was very important to show my commitment to the UConn Basketball Champions Center,” said Ollie. “I have had the incredible opportunity to be a member of the Husky family and that experience has influenced every part of my life.
I want to be an example for all former UConn basketball student-athletes, who have had the privilege of playing for two Hall of Fame coaches, to join me in supporting this facility. It will help ensure the long-term success of the programs that all of us helped establish.”
The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees approved the final construction budget of $33 million for the UConn Basketball Champions Center on Wednesday and the official groundbreaking will take place this spring. The University currently has donations and pledges for $24 million and continues to actively fundraise to secure the total costs of the project, which will be $38 million, including furniture, fixtures and equipment.
“UConn is fortunate to have so many strong supporters from around the country, but members of our own university community are also very generous to the school and Kevin is a great example of this,” said President Susan Herbst. “As we continue to build and renovate so many facilities on our multiple campuses, an outstanding new home is needed for our championship men’s and women’s basketball programs.”
“I want to thank Kevin and his wife Stephanie for making this gift to the UConn Basketball Champions Center,” said Director of Athletics Warde Manuel. “Kevin has experienced our program from all facets as a student-athlete, assistant coach and now the head coach. I am proud that Kevin has provided this leadership gift and it is indicative of the positive contributions that former Husky student-athletes can have on the future success of our programs.”
