U announces $6 million gift toward Gophers athletics from Robert Eddy

The University of Minnesota on Friday announced a $6 million gift toward its $190 athletics facilities plan from retired telecommunications executive Robert Eddy.

According to Senior Associate Athletics Director Chris Werle, the school has raised $65 million toward the project, as Eddy's gift had been factored into the running total but hadn't been previously announced in his name. The school is currently soliciting construction bids to build a $150 million portion of the project. Here's a portion of the press release:

The gift will help fund a new Basketball Development Center, which will house men's and women's basketball offices, locker rooms and other areas designed to provide the University of Minnesota basketball programs and student-athletes all of the tools needed to achieve greatness on and off the field.

Eddy is a graduate of the University's engineering department and retired Chairman and President of Sherburne Tele Systems, Inc. A philanthropist and University of Minnesota supporter, the Big Lake resident has donated generous gifts to the Athletic Department and the University.

"Bob has been a proud supporter of Gopher Athletics and our student-athletes," said Director of Gopher Athletics Norwood Teague. "This most recent gift will provide our men's and women's basketball programs with the facilities, training and support they need to compete with the top programs in the conference and the country."

A member of the University's Heart Advisory Committee, Eddy created the R.K. Eddy Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Resuscitation in 2013.

"We are grateful for Bob Eddy's extraordinary support for the University and Gopher athletics," said University of Minnesota President Eric W. Kaler. "His remarkable gifts demonstrate how University academics and athletics work in concert to impact the health, success and pride of our students, our alumni and the citizens of Minnesota."

Note: Eddy will be honored Saturday at Williams Arena during the first half of the Gophers men's basketball game against Purdue, and at Sunday's women's basketball game against Michigan State.