University of Tennessee Athletics
Manning to Give $1 Million to Tennessee Athletics
September 05, 2009 | Football
Sept. 5, 2009
Former University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning announced a new pledge of $1 million to the University of Tennessee athletics department today. The gift is in addition to the $1 million he pledged toward Neyland Stadium renovations in 2006 and will be used towards the new football facility scheduled to break ground this fall.
"Tennessee holds a special place in my heart. I hope this gift will allow current and future student-athletes the opportunity to train at the highest level while at our great University," said Manning.
The latest pledge is the third gift from Manning to the university. Manning made a major gift in 1998 toward the construction of the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. In addition, UT Athletics established the Peyton Manning Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a first-year student participating in UT's Honors Program, in honor of Manning. Funds for the Manning scholarship come from the athletic department as well as various awards he won while at UT as a student-athlete.
"I continue to be impressed with Peyton. He is an outstanding ambassador for our university and a remarkable role model," said Interim University President Dr. Jan Simek. "Since leaving UT, he has continued to be an active advocate for our great university and has been an integral player in helping us secure donations for both athletics and Knoxville campus."
The new facility is expected to cost approximately $39 million. Manning's donation puts Tennessee at $30 million towards the facility, which will allow UT to break ground on the facility this fall.
"Peyton is a tremendous supporter of Tennessee," said Mike Hamilton, men's athletics director. "He was a passionate leader for UT during his time here, and he continues to give generously of his time, his resources and his money to make the University of Tennessee a better place. His gift will allow current and future football players at UT to have the best facilities in America."
Manning is the most decorated athlete in UT history. He left Tennessee as the SEC's all-time leading passer with 11,201 yards, setting 42 passing records during his Vols career that included two NCAA, seven SEC and 33 UT marks. Off the field, Manning won the Draddy Award as National Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1997 and graduated in three years with a degree in speech communications. He graduated with the highest grade-point average (3.61) in his field. Manning's number 16 was retired in 2006.
Manning serves as an honorary co-chair of the University-wide capital campaign and the athletic capital campaign.
The University Master Plan calls for Stokely Athletic Center (SAC) to be demolished to make room for an academic facility, which will require the relocation of approximately 110 coaches and administrators. The construction of the Football Training Center will allow for the current football offices in Neyland-Thompson Sports Center to be converted to space for those currently in SAC and will allow for the women's programs to upgrade their preparation and rehabilitation areas by moving to the existing weight and training rooms in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
