Ubben Expansion Release | Join the I FUND
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois alumni Dennis and Katharine Swanson are the first donors to announce a major gift for the renovation and expansion of the Ubben Basketball Complex. Their $1 million gift is just another in their commitment to their alma mater, which also includes a donation to the State Farm Center and Campbell Hall for Public Telecommunications within the College of Media.
"We are very excited to announce this gift from Dennis and Kathy," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Illinois Basketball has been a great passion of the Swanson family since Dennis' days on our campus. Throughout Dennis' remarkable career, he led many successful efforts to build great teams, and he understands the importance of resources to do so. With this gift, Dennis is again taking an active role in a build process, and our state-of-the-art facility will be critical to our success. During Dennis' time with Illinois Basketball he was surrounded by some of the game's best; with such an impactful gift, he is helping Illinois Basketball produce another generation of greats. Our thanks to Dennis and Kathy for such generous support of our bold vision for the future of Illinois Basketball."
The 20-year-old Ubben Basketball Complex will undergo a facelift that will more than double the square footage of the building. Improvements will benefit both the men's and women's programs and will include additional court space, state-of-the-art sports medicine facilities, an enhanced strength and conditioning area, study spaces, expanded staff offices, and modern student-athlete amenities in new locker rooms and team areas.
The renovation will add approximately 45,000 square feet to the existing structure, while remodeling more than 8,300 square feet of existing space.
"For those who love Illinois basketball it's time to step forward and help Coach Brad Underwood as he rebuilds our program to national prominence again," Dennis Swanson said. "The University of Illinois did so much for me when I was a young man seeking a higher education, that it makes me feel good to again say thank you in this fashion."
As an undergraduate, Swanson served as a student manager for Coach Harry Combes' Illini basketball team and worked part time at WILL and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. He rose to the rank of captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, and then returned to the U of I to earn a master's degree in communication and political science. Swanson began his illustrious media career in Chicago, before taking his talents to the C-suite of broadcast television.
Swanson's executive positions included tenures as President of ABC Sports, President for ABCs Daytime and Children's Programming, President and General Manager of WNBC-TV in New York and co-chair of NBC Olympics, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CBS Television Stations Inc., and President of Station Operations for Fox Television Stations Group. Swanson is a member of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
His other signature credits include hiring a young Oprah Winfrey and persuading the International Olympic Committee to stagger the summer and winter Olympic Games.
"We are so appreciative of this gift by Dennis and Kathy as we aim to provide our players with the best performance center in the country," Illinois Men's Basketball Head Coach Brad Underwood said. "Dennis is a proud and loyal Illini who served the program as a student and has continued that support throughout his distinguished career. We are fortunate to have an alum like Dennis committed to this project and the future of Fighting Illini basketball."
The Ubben renovation and expansion will add approximately 45,000 square feet to the existing structure, while remodeling more than 8,300 square feet of existing space. New office space and areas to host recruits and small groups will also be a part of the project. Two new half courts will be added to both the women's and men's current gym space, giving the two programs additional space to work on development while not disrupting full-court action. The project will feature a two-story strength and conditioning room, will triple the size of the locker rooms and player lounges, and include a state-of-the-art sports medicine area.
The $30 million Ubben Basketball Complex expansion is a capital project included in the DIA's $300 million fundraising goal, which is part of "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
