The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced a $500,000 gift for the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex renovation and expansion project from Gies College of Business graduates and Glenview natives Ed and Mary Kay Haben. This marks the second major gift to Illinois basketball from the Habens, following a previous donation of $500,000 to the State Farm Center, which named the Athletic Director's suite.
"We became dedicated Illini basketball fans during the Lou Henson years," The Habens said. "Coach Henson set in motion a winning basketball program. A best-in-class practice and training facility is needed to continue successful recruiting and performance on the court. The Ubben renovation will provide that, and we are happy to contribute to its funding."
Ed, a 1977 Gies graduate in finance, is a retired national bank examiner from the US Department of the Treasury. Mary Kay also graduated from Gies in 1977 with a bachelor's in business administration and went on to get her MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She received the Gies College Appreciation Award in 2005. She retired from her post as President, North America of the Wm. Wrigley Jr., Company in 2011. Mary Kay is the former Chair of the University of Illinois Alumni Association Board of Directors and current member of the University of Illinois Foundation Board. She earned the University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award in 2013 and was named the Chicago Illini of the Year in 2017.
The couple has two sons who are also University of Illinois alums, Mike (Gies '10) and Jack (Media '13). In addition to their support to Athletics capital projects, the Habens have also donated to the Gies College of Business, the Library, Illinois Promise and I FUND scholarships.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Habens for their continued support of Illinois basketball," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Ed and Mary Kay have exhibited unwavering support of this Athletics Department and the University as a whole. They have always stepped up in very meaningful ways to ensure life-changing educational and athletic experiences for our student-athletes and many additional students in their beloved Gies College of Business."
The Ubben renovation and expansion will add approximately 40,000 square feet to the existing structure, while remodeling large portions of the existing building. New coaches' office spaces and a grand entry lobby are included in the project. Two new half courts will be added to both the women's and men's current gym spaces, giving the two programs additional space to work on skill development while not disrupting full-court action. The project will feature a new strength and conditioning addition, significantly increase the size of the locker rooms and players lounges and include a state-of-the-art sports medicine area.
"The support for the Ubben renovation project from loyal alumni like the Habens has been remarkable," head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood said. "Their commitment to the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Basketball has a direct impact on our ability to compete for championships by providing our players the best facility in the country. We are nearing the home stretch on construction and cannot wait to move in; it's an exciting time for our program."
"Since coming to Illinois, I have been overwhelmed by the support and dedication shown by our loyal alumni, fans and donors, and this incredible gift by the Haben family is yet another generous and vital piece that brings us one step closer to the completion the Ubben Basketball Practice Facility," head women's basketball coach Shauna Green said. "We are building something special here at Illinois, and this complex will provide an unmatched environment for our growth as a program as we strive to make our championship ambitions a reality."
To date, Illinois has secured $31.3 million in commitments for the Ubben Basketball Complex renovation and expansion toward the $40 million project.
The gift is part of the DIA's $300 million fundraising goal for "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
Transform Illinois Basketball by making a gift for Ubben Basketball Complex Expansion and Renovation. Forever attach your name to the championship culture of Illinois Basketball! Illini fans making gifts of $500 or more will be recognized on a donor wall within the Ubben Basketball Complex.
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