Former Golden Flash James Harrison Makes $100K Gift To Kent State
September 12, 2012
Kent State to rename Field House weight room in honor of the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker
KENT, Ohio – Kent State has always been a special place for Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Pro linebacker James Harrison who on Wednesday (Sept. 12) had a $100,000 gift to his former school approved by the University's Board of Trustees.
"We are extremely grateful to James for his commitment to Kent State and the football program," said Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "He is one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL today and his support is sure to have a lasting effect on our student-athletes now and in the future."
In recognition of his donation the Kent State Department of Athletics has announced that the Field House weight room is to be renamed The James Harrison Strength & Conditioning Center. Along with the Strength & Conditioning Center name recognition, the donation goes towards the Football Enhancement Fund which covers a number of priorities within the program such as scholarship support and facility upgrades.
"This gift is indicative of the legacy James wants to leave at Kent State and of the impact Kent State has had on James and his family," added Matt Geis, Kent State's Executive Director for Athletic Advancement.
A three-time letter winner for the Golden Flashes from 1999-2001, Harrison was named First Team All-Mid-American Conference as a senior when he recorded a then-school record 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss while leading Kent State to a 6-5 record with wins in five of the final six games. Following his collegiate career at Kent State, the Akron, Ohio native signed as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers. He has gone on to win two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh and was named the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
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