CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — U of I alumnus Lary Gies, who made a $100 million donation to Illinois Athletics earlier this week, will serve as No. 9 Illinois’ honorary captain on Saturday against Western Michigan.

Gies’ commitment was the largest gift in Illinois Athletics history and represents one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program. In recognition of his contribution, Illinois’ Memorial Stadium, just a year removed from its 100th anniversary, has been renamed to Gies Memorial Stadium.

Gies made the gift in memory of his late father, Larry Gies Sr., a United States Army veteran. Through this contribution, Gies hopes to “inspire remembrance, gratitude, and continued support for the nation’s men and women in uniform.”

Gies, whose name also adorns the U of I’s College of Business, is one of the most influential donors in Illinois history. He’s the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, a privately held company that acquires market-leading businesses in sectors like filtration, medical, safety, industrial solutions, energy, and indoor air quality to make the world healthier, safer, and more productive

The Illini and Broncos are set to kick off from Gies Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. CT on FS1.