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Northwestern receives $35M donation for football program
The three-year commitment will fund recruiting, student-athlete development and other priorities as Northwestern aims for sustained success in the Big Ten.
On Tuesday, Liz and Dick Uihlein announced a $35 million donation to Northwestern Football over three years, targeting student-athlete development, recruiting, and operational priorities.
The billionaire Uline founders said they are following the lead of Pat and Shirley Ryan, whose philanthropy funded the $875 million Ryan Field. Since 1998, the Uihleins have spent over $92 million on Illinois political campaigns.
This gift supports operational priorities and competitive positioning within the Big Ten. Northwestern officials emphasized the donation's role in delivering an exceptional student-athlete experience while competing at the highest level of college football.
Northwestern President Mung Chiang and Combe Family Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson expressed appreciation for the support. Jackson called the donation 'another major boost to Wildcat athletics' for the football program.
Following a 7-6 season that ended with a bowl win, the team enters a new era. Northwestern debuts the new Ryan Field in primetime on Friday, October 2, against Penn State.