UI Alum John Giuliani Family Traditions Club Naming Rights Announced
December 27, 2013 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 27, 2013
Illinois Renaissance Website | John Giuliani Family Traditions Club Seating Options
"I'm honored to lend my support to my state university, which has been an important part of my life since childhood," Giuliani said. "From the first time I met Coach Groce, and the athletics department leadership, I believed in their vision for the future."
"John Giuliani took an opportunity to provide an incredible naming rights gift for State Farm Center that will keep his name on the Traditions Club for the remaining life of the building," Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas said. "John grew up in nearby Rantoul, graduated from Illinois and is one of our most passionate supporters. He has long been involved in the I FUND program, but the naming rights gift is one of the ultimate signs of support for his alma mater. He makes Fighting Illini basketball a priority in his life, and this gift is another way of showing where the University fits into his very successful life."
 From the first time I met Coach Groce, and the athletics department leadership, I believed in their vision for the future.
- John Giuliani '83
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"I've said from the beginning that the Illinois Renaissance is a program changer. But it doesn't happen without extraordinary commitment from people who support our program, people like John Giuliani," Illini basketball coach John Groce said. "I've had the pleasure of getting to know John and what stands out to me, beyond his intelligence and tremendous success in the business world, is the passion he has for the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini athletics. He cares at an extremely high level and has chosen to invest in our future, so we feel incredibly fortunate to have John's support in the renovation of State Farm Center."
"Philanthropy is the practice of giving your time, talents and treasure to help make life better for other people," said Rick Darnell, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Development. "John Giuliani is a visionary leader who showed enormous confidence to be the first family to invest in the future lives of all fans, students, alumni and friends of the University of Illinois. His act of generosity set in motion a wave of support, which is evolving our culture and is taking Illinois to new heights to achieve future dreams. Illinois will realize its goals with dedicated and loyal supporters like John Giuliani.
Mr. Giuliani, who earned his bachelor's degree at Illinois, has an extensive professional career in the world of marketing and business, including his current position as CEO of ValueClick, Inc. (NASDAQ: VCLK). He has also served as President of North America for Catalina Marketing Services, where he provided behavioral insights, database marketing, and Internet solutions to Fortune 1000 companies. In addition, Mr. Giuliani has served as a director on numerous boards and advisory boards. Mr. Giuliani is also a member of the Chicago Athletic Advisory Board for the University of Illinois.
Mr. Giuliani will be recognized during the Illinois vs. UIC men's basketball game at the United Center in Chicago on Dec. 28, 2013.
For more information about ways to get involved and make a difference, contact the I FUND Team at 217.333.6595 for the Champaign-Urbana office or 312.575.7850 for the Chicago office. http://www.fightingillini.com/statefarmcenter/
