Willard Businessman Donates to Ashland University's "Bringing Spirit to Campus" Campaign

4/9/10 ASHLAND, Ohio --Willard businessman Donald M. Graham has made a naming gift to Ashland University for the construction of the new Athletic Complex at the University and the "Eagle Gridiron Room" located in the end zone facility is named in his honor.

An alumnus of the University and a former member of the Ashland University Board of Trustees, Graham made his gift as part of Ashland's "Bringing Spirit to Campus" Campaign that has resulted in the construction of the new Dwight Schar Athletic Complex, an incredible $23 million development featuring a 5,200-seat football stadium, a 500-seat soccer and track and field stadium and a state-of-the-art end zone facility consisting of offices, locker rooms, weight room and athletic training and entertainment areas.
The new complex, which is one of the premiere Division II facilities in the country, will be dedicated on April 23 as part of a weekend celebration on the Ashland University campus. The new complex is located on the northwest side of campus.

Graham and his wife, Kathleen, are residents of Willard, and Graham is owner of Donald M Graham & Associates, located in Willard. Donald M Graham & Associates is a professional financial services firm that specializes in investments, insurance and services.

A 1969 Ashland graduate, Graham majored in biology at Ashland and played football for the Ashland Eagles football team.

Graham has served as president of the Gridiron Club since its inception in 2006 and he is also a member of the Ashland University All-Sports Hall of Fame. Graham also served as a trustee of the University from 1991 to 1994 and he received the University's Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and 2009, the Sports Hall of Fame award in 1990 and was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 1984. He served on the Leadership Gift Division Chair for the "Bringing Spirit to Campus" Campaign.

"My wife, Kathe, and I feel honored to be able to support the building of the new Athletic Complex," Graham said. "The opportunity to provide the 'Eagle Gridiron Club' with its own special room, speaks volumes for the appreciation shown by the University for our members and their support of Ashland University football."

Ashland University President Dr. Frederick Finks thanked Graham for his support of the Athletic Complex. "Don Graham has been a loyal supporter of Ashland University for many years and this is a gift that will benefit Ashland University students for many years to come," Finks said. "Also, we are happy to name the 'Eagle Gridiron Room' in his honor."

In addition to operating his financial services company, Graham is an accomplished drag racer competing with both the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

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