Cardinals DE Calais Campbell donates record $1.6M to Miami athletics
NFL Pro Bowler Calais Campbell has donated $1.6 million to University of Miami athletics, the largest gift from a former student-athlete.
The Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman played for the Hurricanes from 2005-07. The donation will go toward the Calais Campbell Football Defensive Lineman Endowed Scholarship given annually to a member of the unit. The d-lineman meeting room in the Hecht Athletic Center will also be renamed The Calais Campbell Defensive Line Meeting Room.
In 2006 as an All-ACC defensive end, Campbell recorded the ninth-best single-season sack total in Hurricanes history with 10.5. He was named team MVP for his performance. Campbell graduated in 2008 with a degree in advertising and marketing.
Like those who will benefit from his donation, Campbell was a recipient of an endowed scholarship from Robert and Connie McGee, longtime supporters of Miami athletics.
"While running through the smoke as a Miami Hurricane will always be one of the great honors of my life, I am equally as proud of the education I received while a Hurricane student-athlete," Campbell said in a statement. "Through my parents, I learned the value of earning a degree and through the University of Miami I was able to achieve it. The University of Miami continues to strive for the best in both academics and athletics, and it's my honor to be a small part of that effort."
Over the past month, UM has also received a $1.5 million gift from former running back Ken Hunt and $1 million from UM Trustee and alumnus Robert Mann. Beginning in September, the program will enter a 12-year partnership with Adidas.
"Calais' generosity will create opportunities for young men for years to come and on behalf of the University, I want to express our gratitude for his commitment to Miami," Director of Athletics Blake James said in a statement. "Calais is an incredible man and along with his family, understands the importance of education and the impact a positive environment can have on a student-athlete. We are excited by the benchmarks set by Ken Hunt and now Calais, which will serve as catalysts for former student-athlete giving in the future."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
