Virginia Tech announced a transformational $75 million gift on Thursday morning, the largest in university history.
It's an anonymous commitment from a four-generation Hokie family, with the majority going to athletics and a sizeable portion to the school's honors college.
"We are absolutely thrilled, and grateful, for this awesome commitment to athletics and academics," Board of Visitors member J. Pearson said in the school's release. "Support like this shows just how dedicated Hokie Nation is to the university it loves. We recognize that in today's environment, we must do all we can to put ourselves into position to excel. [Starting] up Hokie Ventures and finding ways to innovate within our colleges is crucial to success."
According to the release, the athletics portion includes philanthropy for the Hokies' 'Invest to Win' campaign, unrestricted funds to be used at the discretion of the next athletic director and additional funds administered through Hokie Ventures, the athletics-related corporation approved at Tuesday's Board of Visitors meeting.
A large portion of the amount directed to athletics for the 'Invest to Win' campaign was endowed, meaning it will be invested to provide a predictable and permanent stream of support for years to come. The remainder of the commitment, including the honors college portion, was designated for current use.
When Tech rolled out the 'Invest to Win' plan in the fall as the Board of Visitors approved a $229.2 million funding plan, it had budgeted $120 million to be covered by philanthropy.
On the Hokie Ventures front, the university was loaning the corporation $15.2 million through bridge funding approved in the aforementioned funding plan. Combined with Thursday's donation, it's off to a strong start.
"This transformative commitment will have a tremendous impact on our football program and the young men who wear the Virginia Tech uniform," Hokies football head coach James Franklin said in the release. "Football is the front porch of the university, and sustained investment is critical to competing for championships at the highest level. This generosity provides the resources necessary to recruit, develop and support elite student-athletes while positioning Virginia Tech football for long-term success. We are incredibly grateful for this belief in our program and our vision for sustained success."
The previous largest commitments to Virginia Tech were three $50 million gifts announced in 2018, 2021 and 2023. In the athletics realm, the previous largest donation was $20 million, which was announced in 2025.
"Virginia Tech has a strong vision and an extraordinary family of alumni, corporate and foundation partners, parents, and other friends," senior vice president for advancement Tom Wamsley said. "This extraordinary commitment raises our sights even further. It recognizes the power of investing simultaneously in competitive excellence and educational innovation, reflects Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim motto of 'That I may serve' and inspires us to strive for excellence in all areas. We are profoundly thankful."