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$1.2 million donated to athletics at Kent State: Former associate athletic director makes major gift to Centennial Campaign

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Colin McEwen
September 26, 2009

 

By Colin McEwen

Record-Courier staff writer

The matriarch of Kent State University athletics has donated $1.2 million to the program — the third-largest donation in its history.

Judy Devine, KSU’s former associate athletic director, gave the first major donation of the public phase of the university’s Centennial Campaign.

A long-time member of the athletic department and a 2003 inductee into the Varsity “K” Athletic Hall of Fame, Devine’s pledge will fund the Judith K. Devine Athletic Equity Endowment.

“Judy’s longtime support of athletics has ensured our student-athletes have the best resources to achieve at the highest academic levels,” said KSU President Lester Lefton. “Her latest commitment will allow Kent State to be a leader in addressing gender-equity issues as they pertain to Title IX, and is once again a testament to her remarkable vision of the modern needs of our athletics program.”

Coupled with her gift in the fall of 2008, which went toward the expansion of KSU’s Academic Resource Center — in addition to permanently endowing the Athletic Academic Honors Dinner — Devine’s contributions toward the Centennial Campaign now total more than $1.4 million.

Devine retired from her post as associate athletic director in 2000 following 31 years in a variety of roles within the department. She came to KSU as a graduate assistant in 1969 and went on to serve for two seasons (1975-77) as the first head coach of the women’s basketball team in addition to directing the field hockey team from its inception in 1975 through the 1980 campaign.

After the merger of men’s and women’s athletic programs in 1975, she was given the responsibilities of assistant director of athletics before being elevated to associate athletic director in 1978. At the time of her retirement in 2000, she coordinated financial aid, housing, awards and the academic performance of KSU’s student-athletes. 

 




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 3 Total Comments
3.
    Posted by s.swenson September 26, 2009
I agree, I'm sure she wasn't laundering money, she made a kind gesture and gave back to where she spent her career. Due to her gift many student athletes will benefit. Way to pay it forward! She should be commended, why question the source of her gift, a simple thanks and way to go is all that's needed!

2.
    Posted by Army First Sergeant September 26, 2009
It's really none of our business, billshane342, where she got the money to donate. Maybe she won the lottery or received a large inheritance, or saved and invested wisely. You don't know what this lady was paid during her career. Just accept it and say "Thanks!"

1.
    Posted by billshane342 September 26, 2009
GEEZ, I remember Judy. Nice lady. Sure wonder how see got that kind of cash.

her career sure did not pay that kind of money.

What ever..cool beans.
Good for her.

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