Athletics receives largest gift in school history from Dill Family

MURRAY, Ky. – With the public’s support of the current investments into much-needed facility enhancements and the overall student-athlete experience at an all-time high, Murray State Athletics has received the largest gift in school history from the Dill Family, it was announced on August 20th.

The record-shattering investment made by the family, which also stands as the lead gift in the University's Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, marks a record sixth seven-figure gift given to Racer Athletics this calendar year. In addition, Murray State has just completed back-to-back record years in raising private support signifying the unprecedented generosity of alumni and friends in advancing the University.

"David and Ashley Dill and the entire Dill Family have deep roots at the University," Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson said. "David is the national chair of the $100 million Be Bold: Forever Blue and Gold Centennial Campaign launched publicly in 2022 and is a 2015 Distinguished Alumnus and Trustee of the MSU Foundation. This gift is transformational to the University and will advance the initiatives outlined in our campaign plans and take Racer Athletics to a new level. We are deeply grateful for this historic gift and greatly appreciate their longstanding commitment, friendship and support."

A significant amount of funding having already been poured into renovations and enhancements around the athletics footprint, this gift will have a major impact on future facility projects as a part of the department's continued prioritization of recruiting and revenue opportunities.

"My family and I have called this community home ever since my father moved to Murray in 1978 and joined the Racer basketball coaching staff, and my mother began her nearly 20-year career teaching kindergarten at Murray Elementary School," David Dill said. "My brother and I attended Murray State as both students and athletes, and we met our spouses on campus. We have grown deep roots here over the past four decades, so it is incredibly meaningful for our family to give back to our community and show our gratitude for the many wonderful opportunities and memories we have had through the years because of Murray State University."

"Words cannot describe how big of an impact that this transformational investment from the Dill Family will have on Racer Athletics and we cannot thank them enough for believing in our plan and for their willingness to support our department," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "We are excited for what this gift will allow us to do to further advance Murray State Athletics and cannot wait to share our plans for future success in the coming months."

Murray State has seen unprecedented growth around its facilities, having already begun more than $2 million in capital projects, including the newly announced weight room renovation in Roy Stewart Stadium and the renovation of the men's basketball locker room.

Other projects that have been completed over the last 18 months include the Baseball/Softball Performance Center, upgrades to football team spaces and the new LED lights in the CFSB Center.

The Racer Club plays a crucial role in helping support student-athlete scholarships, general operating budget, and facility enhancements. Investors play a critical role in funding the student-athlete experience and the competitive success of Murray State Athletics programs and student-athletes.

For more information on how to join the Racer Club, call (270) 809-3517 or visit https://bit.ly/46XYaXt. 

Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.

For more information and to help support the University's Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, visit murraystate.edu/giving.