TUCSON, Ariz. -- University of Arizona alums Steve and Margot Kerr have committed $1 million to the University of Arizona to assist with the McKale Memorial Center renovation and future academic facility enhancements. The Kerrs' gift joins the $6 million lead gift from Cole and Jeannie Davis, a $1 million gift from George Kalil and a number of additional in support of McKale's Phase I renovation.
"My experience as a student-athlete at the U of A shaped my life and my entire career," said Kerr, who had a 15-year NBA career following his playing days at Arizona in the 1980s and is now head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
"I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of such a special University. This gift reflects my thanks and also my support for all the future student-athletes who will come to Arizona to compete, study and shape their own lives moving forward."
Volleyball was the first program to compete in the new-look McKale Center on Sept. 5, and continuing renovations are expected to be complete by the start of the men's basketball regular season.
"We are really excited that Steve and Margot have decided to show this kind of support for Arizona Athletics," athletic director Greg Byrne said. "Steve is one of the icons of our athletics department and he has been such a great ambassador for this program throughout his professional career. We know McKale is a special place to him and his family, and we're thrilled that they could be involved in this renovation. It's even more exciting that an athletics alum has provided this level of commitment, and we believe it will lead to even more former student-athletes getting involved."
The first aspect of the renovation project was completed at the beginning of 2014 with the installation of a high-definition scoreboard. It features four 19-foot-by-11-foot video screens totaling 836 square feet, a static ring on top for promotional opportunities and two LED rings.
Phase I of the renovation began in May 2014 and includes upgraded seating, hand rails, enhanced lighting and a new playing floor. In addition, the renovation addresses amenities and upgrades that include men's and women's locker rooms, concessions and restrooms.
"I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Steve and Margot for their incredible generosity and continued support of our program," head men's basketball coach Sean Miller said. "Steve's basketball career is extraordinary on so many levels. However, his qualities as a person and the qualities of his family are equally exemplary. Today's gift epitomizes the reasons that we take so much pride in referring to Arizona basketball as 'A Player's Program.' "
