University of Tennessee Athletics
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE ATHLETICS HONORS HOWARD FAMILY
February 25, 2006 | General
Feb. 25, 2006
The University of Tennessee Athletics Department recognized the David L. Howard family of Shelbyville, Tenn., on February 25 in the new McKenzie-Lawson Athletic Center for their generous gift to support athletic facility improvements through STEP UP - The Campaign for UT Athletic Facilities.
In recognition of their generous support, the rotunda in the new McKenzie-Lawson Athletic Center has been named in their honor. The David L. Howard Family Rotunda serves as the primary entrance to UT athletics for prospective student-athletes, fans, alumni and friends of the University of Tennessee.
"Partnerships are key to much of the University's success, and the Howard family represents all the best in partnering opportunities," said Dr. John Petersen, president of the University of Tennessee. "We are grateful for their generosity and for the exceptional relationship and friendship that come with it."
This is not the first-time that David and Mary Howard have made a significant commitment to UT Athletics. In May 1999, the Howard's were leaders in making the Thornton Athletic Student Life Center possible, where the computer lab is named in their honor.
"The Howard family continues to step up and be great leaders for the University of Tennessee," Athletics Director Mike Hamilton said. "They have not only made a significant academic gift to the Thornton Center, but have been strong supporters of our entire program."
The Howard's commitment was part of STEP UP - The Campaign for UT Athletic Facilities, which raised $28.61 million in private gifts and other athletic department revenues for new, renovated, and expanded facilities impacting 17 out of the 20 men's and women's sports at UT.
Other facilities funded through the STEP UP Campaign include the football locker room in Neyland Stadium, as well as the Wolf-Kaplan Hospitality Center, an expansion of the indoor practice field at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex, the construction of the McKenzie-Lawson Athletics Center, the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, an intercollegiate golf complex, Regal Soccer Stadium and the new softball stadium.
