Story perspectives

Northwestern Gets $35M Uihlein Gift, Hires Chip Kelly

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Northwestern University received a three-year $35 million donation from the Dick and Liz Uihlein family to fund student-athlete development, recruiting and strategic investments for sustained Big Ten and national success.
President Mung Chiang said the generosity boosts athletics and strengthens the student-athlete experience.
Head coach David Braun called hiring Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator a program-defining change.
Northwestern will open the $875 million Ryan Field on Oct. 2, 2026, against Penn State.

History

Historical Context

USC’s liberal-arts school was renamed the Dana and David Dornsife College after the couple’s $200 million gift in 2009, a landmark endowment that spurred faculty chairs and research expansion. Northwestern’s recent $35 million Uihlein pledge for a new stadium and the $875 million Ryan Field slated for Oct 2 2026 illustrate how large donor capital now drives collegiate athletics upgrades and revenue-model reassessments.

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Story summary

Northwestern University received a three-year $35 million donation from the Dick and Liz Uihlein family to fund student-athlete development, recruiting and strategic investments for sustained Big Ten and national success.
President Mung Chiang said the generosity boosts athletics and strengthens the student-athlete experience.
Head coach David Braun called hiring Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator a program-defining change.
Northwestern will open the $875 million Ryan Field on Oct. 2, 2026, against Penn State.

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