AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta University Department of Athletics has received a $1 million commitment from longtime AU supporters, Mason and Lou McKnight. Their gift will be directed to improve both the Jaguar baseball and softball facilities and will bear the Mason McKnight III family name in recognition of their generosity.
"I'm so thankful for the generosity of the McKnight family", said AU softball coach, Melissa Brocato. "This gift brings our long-time dreams of a quality stadium closer and closer to reality. We are humbled that the McKnight's would choose to invest in our programs in this way and are hopeful for what this will mean for the future of our softball and baseball programs."
Mason McKnight, who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1980 from Augusta (College) University, understands the importance of athletics on a campus. "Sports kept me busy and made me want to achieve greater things," he said. "Sports are structured and there are many lessons to be learned."
Mason McKnight III and his wife Lou
"I'd like to thank the McKnight family for their gift to the baseball and softball programs and for their continued support of AU Athletics", said head baseball coach Chris Howell. "This gift is the first step in providing our student-athletes with a facility upgrade and resources to enhance their experience here at AU."
The McKnight's gift will allow for significant improvements to both the softball and baseball complex and will help elevate not only the fan experience, but the student-athlete-experience as well.
"Our goal as a department is to offer our student-athletes and fans the absolute best athletics facilities in the country", said AU Director of Athletics, Ryan Erlacher. "This generous gift from the McKnight family will position us to offer first class facilities for our everyone involved with both our baseball and softball programs."
The love of athletics runs deep in the McKnight family. Father Mason started playing football at the age of six and finished his playing career at Richmond Academy. Mother Lou, is an avid tennis player and their three sons, Mason IV, Matt and Marshall all won state championships in their respective sports of golf and soccer. The proud parents raised their sons teaching them the value of family, community, sports and more.
In 1986, Mason McKnight III established his own company, ACC Construction, which specializes in military and state department construction projects. Today, the McKnight men have families of their own and proudly work with their father. Mason IV and Matthew are vice presidents and Marshall is the company's chief financial officer.
"We love watching Augusta University grow from where it was when I was in school to where it is now." -Mason McKnight III
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.AugustaJags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags
