CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois' football stadium will be known as Gies Memorial Stadium after alumnus and philanthropist Larry Gies made a $100 million donation to the school's athletic department.

The school announced Tuesday the gift is the largest in the athletic program's history. Gies' name also is on the university’s College of Business.

Gies is the founder and CEO of the Chicago-based global investment company Madison Industries. He is making the gift in memory of his late father, Larry Gies Sr., a United States Army veteran.

Memorial Stadium, which turned 100 years old in 2024, originally was named in honor of the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed services.

“This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the

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