Paul Bryant Jr. Gives $10 Million to UA Crimson Tradition Fund

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Paul Bryant Jr., a native of Tuscaloosa, current trustee of The University of Alabama and graduate of the class of 1966, has given another $10 million gift to The University of Alabama, this time to the recently announced Crimson Tradition Fund Campaign for Athletics. The commitment was announced today by University officials.

Bryant, who chairs the Crimson Tradition Fund, made his gift at this time to offer leadership to the 27 members of the Crimson Tradition Fund Executive Committee who are also preparing their own gifts and beginning their soliciting of key supporters of the drive.

“This campaign will allow our fans, friends and alumni to support the Crimson Tide in a meaningful way,” said Bryant. “Our goal is to raise $50 million in commitments from the private sector.”

The other $50 million of the $100 million total will come from a public bond issue offered for the construction of the north end zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Bond monies would be repaid through ticket sales revenue.

Mal Moore, director of athletics, has continued meeting weekly with architects to expedite the construction process.

“This campaign is certainly a team effort, and with the forming of this committee, we have a special unit of people dedicated to the University,” said Moore. “We all have a responsibility in carrying our load whatever that level of contribution may be; and certainly, Paul Bryant has stepped up for this project like he has so many times for the University in past years.

“We appreciate our supporters and want each of them to recognize that every gift, no matter the amount, is vital in our efforts to reach our goal of providing our coaches and student-athletes with the facilities for them to excel not only on the athletic fields but in the classrooms as well.”

Dr. Andrew Sorensen, president of The University of Alabama, also expressed gratitude to Bryant for his gift.

“If you look across the entire nation there are just a few men and women who have exhibited this level of philanthropy,” said Sorensen. “Great universities all seem to have generous donors who have created centers of excellence through their gifts and Paul Bryant is certainly ours.

“He has made significant commitments to our academic scholarships, the newly created campus TV station, as well as numerous publications and our University library system.”

For more information on the Crimson Tradition Fund Campaign, contact the University Advancement Office at 205/348-4772.