DURHAM, NC – Duke University today announced a landmark gift from one of its most revered basketball legends, Grant Hill. The Basketball Hall of Famer and former Blue Devil superstar has committed a record-breaking $21.5 million to the university, an unprecedented donation that will serve as the cornerstone for a transformative campus project. The funds are earmarked for a multi-faceted initiative that includes significant upgrades to the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium and enhancements to key academic centers, reinforcing Duke’s commitment to excellence both on and off the basketball court.
This monumental gift is the largest single donation ever made by a former Duke athlete to the university and is a testament to the profound impact the institution had on Hill’s life. The project, officially named the “Grant Hill Legacy Initiative,” is designed to modernize facilities while preserving the historic character of Cameron Indoor Stadium, a venue synonymous with college basketball greatness.
“Duke is more than just a university to me; it’s a family that shaped who I am today,” Hill said in a statement. “The lessons I learned here, the friendships I made, and the championships we won are all part of a legacy that I am incredibly proud of. My wife Tamia and I are thrilled to be able to give back in a way that will benefit not only the basketball program but the entire student body for generations to come.”
The funds will be allocated to two primary areas:
- Cameron Indoor Stadium Enhancements: A significant portion of the donation will be used to upgrade key fan and student-athlete amenities within Cameron. While a new center-hung video board was recently installed in 2024, this new infusion of capital will fuel “Phase Two” of the stadium’s long-term renovation plan. This is expected to include improvements to seating, concessions, and accessibility, as well as the creation of state-of-the-art player and staff facilities. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience while preserving the intimate, electric atmosphere that makes Cameron one of the most feared venues in sports.
- Academic Center Upgrades: In a move that underscores Duke’s “student-athlete” philosophy, a substantial part of the donation will also go toward enhancing academic and wellness centers across campus. This will include modernizing study spaces, improving technology for student collaboration, and bolstering support services that help students balance the rigorous demands of academics and athletics.
Duke University President Vincent Price expressed immense gratitude for the gift. “Grant Hill is a perfect embodiment of the Duke spirit – a leader, a champion, and a man of great character,” Price said. “His generosity will have a lasting impact on our campus, directly benefiting our students and elevating the standards of excellence we hold in both athletics and academics.”
This donation marks the latest chapter in a long history of philanthropy from Hill to his alma mater. In 2000, he and his wife established a scholarship fund for men’s basketball students, and in 2014, they contributed a significant sum to support athletics and the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences.
Hill’s latest gift comes at a pivotal time for Duke basketball. With Jon Scheyer at the helm, the program is firmly in a new era, and this monumental show of support from a program legend is a powerful message of confidence in its future. The “Grant Hill Legacy Initiative” ensures that the tradition of Duke basketball excellence will continue to be supported by world-class facilities and academic resources, solidifying its position at the pinnacle of college sports.
Be the first to comment