Larry Gies, an alumnus and founder/CEO of Madison Industries, donated $100 million to the University of Illinois’ Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), marking the largest gift in the history of Illinois athletics. The donation is made in memory of his father, Larry Gies Sr., a U.S. Army veteran. As part of the gift, Illinois’ long‑standing Memorial Stadium will be renamed Gies Memorial Stadium, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. The funds are intended for stadium renovations including upgraded video boards, improved sound and lighting systems, better Wi‑Fi, and other enhancements to preserve and modernize the facility. The donation also reflects confidence in recent athletic successes under director Josh Whitman, with the football, men’s and women’s basketball programs all showing strong performance in recent seasons.
Utah organizers for the 2034 Winter Olympics have launched a fundraising campaign called Podium34, securing over $200 million in philanthropic commitments toward a $300 million goal—about 10% of the Games’ projected $2.84 billion budget. These early donations, from prominent families and foundations like the Eccles and Huntsman families, are critical due to restrictions preventing commercial sponsorships until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Beyond funding Olympic operations, the campaign also supports long-term community initiatives in youth sports, education, and mental health. With many venues already in place from the 2002 Olympics, Salt Lake City is aiming for a cost-effective and legacy-driven approach, earning praise for its early, large-scale donor backing—unprecedented among Olympic host cities.
