The University of Virginia on Tuesday announced that the Virginia Athletics Foundation has received the largest single commitment in its history. Benefiting the Department of Athletics, the $40 million bequest came from an anonymous former student-athlete who wanted to make a significant difference in the lives of future athletes at UVA.

“This extraordinarily generous gift reflects a deep passion for the University and our athletics program,” said University of Virginia President James E. Ryan. “We are grateful to have philanthropic leaders among our former student-athletes, and we applaud their desire to make the UVA experience even better for future generations. This commitment will do just that, and strengthen the student-athlete experience for years to come.”

“This type of philanthropic giving helps to ensure UVA Athletics will remain a leader in college athletics and positively impact generations of student-athletes,” Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “The commitment of this very special family is inspirational to everyone who loves the University of Virginia.”

The bequest is part of the University’s $5 billion Honor the Future capital campaign. The Virginia Athletics Foundation’s Honor the Future goal is $500 million, and this commitment brings the VAF’s campaign total to $443 million.

“This former athlete and their family have supported our annual fund for many years and have made commitments to an endowed scholarship and facilities,” Virginia Athletics Foundation Executive Director Dirk Katstra said. “We are incredibly thankful for this estate commitment and the countless ways it will benefit future student-athletes and coaches.”

The Virginia Athletics Foundation has launched its 2022 annual fund effort with a target of $20 million to support scholarships, academic affairs for UVA’s 750 student-athletes, and the operational budget. With Phase I of the Athletics Master Plan complete – including the construction of two natural grass football practice fields – fundraising for Phase II, the Football Operations Center, is almost completed. Phase III will include the construction of an Olympic Sports Complex.