Missouri Athletics lands record-breaking gift from anonymous donor: what we know

The University of Missouri athletic department announced Monday that it has received a $62 million donation from an anonymous donor.

According to the department’s website, it is the single largest donation ever given to Mizzou Athletics, more than doubling the previous record set in 2012.

Of the new donation, $50 million will be used for further upgrades at Memorial Stadium. In November, the University of Missouri Board of Curators approved renovations to the north side of the stadium.

“This extraordinary commitment is a major step toward fulfilling our vision to transform Memorial Stadium and create the best college football game-day atmosphere in the country,” athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois said in a news release.

“Our pivotal stadium project is not possible without our donor, whose passion for Mizzou’s success, coupled with humility, faith and generosity, are unparalleled. Mizzou Football fans displayed their passion last season with five consecutive home sellouts, and our donor’s momentous contribution will not only enhance those magical experiences at Memorial Stadium but will greatly impact our student-athletes across every sport as they pursue their dreams as Tigers.”

Mizzou’s Tiger Fund will receive the remaining $12 million. Launched in 2023, the Tiger Fund’s stated goal is to “capitalize on the advantages afforded to us by the changing landscape of college athletics and the support of our state legislature,” according to the department website.

As the university’s de facto Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) initiative, the athletic department can direct such funds to a specific sport or sports.

Gifted money provides student-athletes resources for travel, equipment, educational opportunities, marketing, mental wellness support and mental performance coaching, per the MU athletic department’s website.

“The improvements to Memorial Stadium will have a generational impact on our university, our community and our state while providing an unmatched fan experience and best-in-class stadium environment for Coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s program,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said in the release.

“With this gift, the Tiger Fund program will also be able to further provide valuable resources for Mizzou’s 550 student-athletes so they can excel academically, athletically and holistically as champions on and off the field of competition.”

The renovations at Memorial Stadium will include upgrading the north concourse, along with other unspecified facility enhancements and fan amenities.

The Kansas City-based architectural firm DLR Group will be a consultant for future developments.