Former UA All-American Steve Kerr and his wife have donated $1 million to McKale Center's ongoing renovation, the UA announced today.
Kerr, the 49-year-old head coach of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, said the gift reflects his passion — and gratitude — to the UA. Kerr was a member of the Wildcats' 1988 Final Four team, and is one of just four players to have his jersey retired.
Kerr played in the NBA from 1988-2003, won five championships, served as general manager of the Phoenix Suns and was a prominent broadcaster before joining the coaching ranks this summer.
“My experience as a student-athlete at the U of A shaped my life and my entire career,” Kerr said in a news release. “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.”
Athletic director Greg Byrne said UA officials are "really excited that Steve and Margot have decided to show this kind of support."
“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," he said. "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 Kerrs are the third high-profile family to donate to the McKale renovation project. Cole and Jeannie Davis pledged $6 million, and Tucson businessman George Kalil has donated $1 million.
The UA will hold its annual Red-Blue scrimmage Saturday in McKale Center.
Read more in Wednesday's Arizona Daily Star
