Feb. 4, 2005

Champaign, Ill. - The Mills family has been a part of Illinois athletics ever since the 1930's, when Culver C. Mills enjoyed a successful career as a basketball player. His son and Illini great, Doug Mills went on to earn six varsity letters at Illinois playing basketball, baseball and football in the early 1960's. Today, another Mills will make his mark on Illinois athletics by supporting the men's tennis program through an endowment in support of the U of I head tennis coach position. On Friday night at the Illinois-Duke tennis match, a gift of $1 million will establish the David and Meredith Mills Endowed Head Tennis Coach Fund.

"We discussed, with Ron Guenther and Shawn Wax, about making a substantial gift to the I Fund, and in particular the men's tennis program," said Mr. Mills. "They suggested endowing the head coaching position, which we immediately became very interested in because of coach Tiley, the staff and players. Craig and everyone involved are nothing short of first class people."

David and Meredith's endowment will be the fourth head coaching position at Illinois to be supported by such a gift. In 1998, parents Doug and Linda Mills gave a gift to endow the salary of the Head Football Coach at the University of Illinois. Former Illini gymnast, Jack Richmond, made a donation to endow the Men's Head Basketball Coach in 1999. Last year, former Illinois golf standout, Art Wyatt helped endow the Men's Golf Coaching position.

"David and Meredith Mills have been wonderful friends of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics," Director of Athletics Ron Guenther said. "I am very pleased they are in a position to assist us with our capital campaign and create an endowment for the men's tennis head coach position. The men's tennis program has been the department's benchmark for excellence and the David and Meredith Mills Endowment will allow us to compete at the highest level."

David was born and raised in Champaign. At Champaign Central High School, David was a member of the state golf and tennis teams and was an all-state tennis player for two years. Meredith, who was born and raised in Lincolnshire, Ill., played varsity golf, basketball and soccer at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. She was all-conference in both soccer and basketball.

The Illinois natives both graduated from Indiana University in 1993. Together they both earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting. While at Indiana, Meredith played club soccer for the Hoosiers.

Following graduation, David worked for Price Waterhouse, L.L.P., before moving back to Champaign to work for Busey Bank in 1995. David briefly stayed in his hometown before moving to Indianapolis to work for First Chicago NBD and Busey Bank through 2001. David and Meredith have since moved back to Champaign-Urbana. In January 2003, David became President and COO of Busey Bank in Urbana.

In the community, David is an intricate member of the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club where he serves as Vice President. David also serves as treasurer and secretary for the Cunningham Children's Home Foundation.

Meredith began her career with Coopers and Lybrand, L.L.P for four years, until she moved on to Irwin Mortgage Corporation in 1997. Meredith is involved with the Junior League of Champaign, as well as being the treasurer of the Festival of Trees Fundraiser. The Mills are also members of the Loyalty Circle Club within the I Fund.

"David and I believe it's very important to give back to the community, which includes the University of Illinois," said Mrs. Mills. "We viewed this as a great opportunity to continue to support the University of Illinois and the men's tennis program."

David and Meredith have two children, Madison (3) and Ashley (2).