University of Richmond announces $7.5 million lead gift for new basketball training and performance facility

February 28, 2018

A $7.5 million lead gift from 1986 alumni Paul and Anne-Marie Queally launches the fundraising efforts for a new men’s and women’s basketball training and performance facility at the University of Richmond.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2019 following the completion of a successful fundraising effort for the new building. The facility should be completed by fall of 2020. The generous lead gift puts the university halfway to its funding goal.

“The impact of Paul and Anne-Marie Queally is evident across our campus, from our business school, to our enrollment management and career services efforts, to our athletics program,” said University of Richmond President Ronald A. Crutcher. “The constant across all of Paul and Anne-Marie’s philanthropy is a profound dedication to our students, who with this most recent gift, will continue to benefit from the remarkable generosity of these two dedicated alumni.”

The Queally Athletics Center, which will be located near the Robins Center and provide ADA accessibility to the historic Millhiser Gymnasium, will include academic support areas to ensure that student-athletes have access to the resources they need to maintain progress toward their educational goals. Sports medicine and nutritional facilities, along with an athletic training room with hydrotherapy, will ensure the health and well-being of student-athletes. Strength and conditioning areas, including a full-sized practice gym, coach’s offices and team locker rooms will help athletes compete at maximum performance levels. A Spider Heritage Hall will engage fans and alumni in celebration of the proud tradition of University of Richmond athletics.  

“Anne-Marie and I have been committed to supporting university excellence across the campus and are pleased to be associated with this new facility, which will benefit the student-athletes who represent us so proudly on the court, in the classroom and out in the world,” said Queally, a university trustee and retired co-president of the investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe.

The Queallys, both Phi Beta Kappa graduates of the university, are generous supporters of their alma mater. They provided the lead gift for the construction of the Queally Center for Admission and Career Services. They also made the lead gift to launch the construction of Queally Hall, a 33,000-square-foot addition to the Robins School of Business.

“Thanks to the incredible leadership and support of Paul and Anne-Marie Queally, men’s and women’s Spider basketball student-athletes and coaches will now enjoy the benefits of one of the absolute best training and performance facilities in the country,” said John P. Hardt, vice president and director of Athletics.

“We wholeheartedly thank Paul and Anne-Marie for this transformative gift to our basketball programs,” said Chris Mooney, head men’s basketball coach. “The facility will house all of the day-to-day operations of our teams, coaches and staff. It will greatly enhance the experience of our student-athletes and will assure potential recruits of our school’s commitment to excellence on and off the court.”

“This facility will have an immediate, positive impact on our recruiting of future Spiders,” added Michael Shafer, head women’s basketball coach. “A commitment of this magnitude is truly special, and it is a strong statement that the University of Richmond is committed to the success of its basketball programs and its student athletes.”

This generous lead gift commitment was announced during the last men’s home basketball game of the season on Feb. 28.

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