Former Arizona football player and longtime supporter Doug Allred has donated gifts totaling $4.8 million to the athletic department, it has been announced today, to help with several enhancements for the football and men's basketball programs at UA in addition to the the Lute Olson Endowment for Excellence in Men's Basketball.
"Our athletics department's ability to provide a gold-standard student-athlete experience is powered by the everlasting generosity of our supporters and alumni like Douglas Allred," UA athletic director Dave Heeke said in a statement provided by the school. "Doug is an exceptional ambassador of our Wildcat Family and University of Arizona community, and he embodies what championship excellence means as a student and an athlete at this flagship institution."
Allred, who is a real estate developer, played for the Wildcats in the 1955 and 1956 seasons.
"I love the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics as they are the foundation of many of my greatest lifelong friendships and professional endeavors," Allred said. "As a student at the university, I met Ann, my wife of 55 years, and our family's roots have therefore been deeply connected to the University of Arizona and the city of Tucson. This outstanding institution also shaped my life as a football letter winner to go on to serve our country and build my own businesses. Arizona's dedication to a first-class experience of student-athletes and commitment to preparing generations of Wildcats for successful careers is inspiring to see. I want to ensure future leaders and champions have as impactful careers as students and athletes as I did."
