University of Connecticut Athletics
Robert & Stefanie Skinner ’93 Make Transformational $15 Million Commitment to the University of Connecticut
4/2/2026 12:00:00 PM | General
STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut and the UConn Foundation today announced a landmark philanthropic commitment of $15 million from Robert and Stefanie Skinner in support of UConn Athletics. The gift is among the most significant private investments in the history of UConn's athletic program and underscores the Skinner family's deep and enduring commitment to Husky excellence.
The commitment is structured across several areas of investment, each designed to elevate the University's athletic program at the highest level.
"For over four decades, the standard at UConn has been shaped by leadership, discipline, and a commitment to excellence—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community," stated Robert Skinner. "What has been built here speaks for itself; a culture defined by consistency at the highest level, where expectations are not only set, but met time and again. This gift is offered with deep gratitude for those who established that standard, and with a shared responsibility to ensure it endures, inspires, and continues to grow for generations to come."
"Robert and Stefanie have made an extraordinary statement about their belief in UConn Athletics," commented UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict. "This commitment — one of the most significant in our program's history — will strengthen the foundation of everything we do, from sustaining the elite coaching that defines our basketball programs to investing in the next generation of Husky student-athletes. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and their unwavering dedication to UConn Nation."
Enduring Support for UConn Basketball
At the heart of this commitment is a $10 million planned gift that will establish a permanent endowed fund in support of the head coaches of both the men's and women's basketball programs. The fund is proposed to be named in honor of the coaches who have defined UConn Basketball's legacy and present — the Geno Auriemma Endowed Fund for the women's program, and the Jim Calhoun and Dan Hurley Endowed Fund for the men's program. The Skinner family's gift serves as the founding contribution to each endowment at $5 million per fund, with the shared hope of doubling that total to $10 million per fund through the generosity of fellow members of UConn Nation. UConn Athletics welcomes and encourages others to join in building this legacy alongside them.
This endowment will provide long-term, sustained resources to attract and retain elite coaching leadership — ensuring that UConn Basketball remains among the premier programs in the nation for generations to come.
The investment reflects the extraordinary legacy of both programs who both embark on trips to this year's Final Fours. The UConn men's basketball program has captured 6 NCAA Tournament Championships, made 8 Final Four appearances, qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments, and claimed 11 Big East Regular Season and 8 Big East Tournament Championships. The women's program stands among the most accomplished in the history of collegiate athletics, having won 12 NCAA Tournament Championships, made a remarkable 25 Final Four appearances, qualified for 36 NCAA Tournaments, and earned 31 Regular Season and 30 Conference Tournament Championships. Together, the two programs represent an unmatched standard of excellence that this gift is designed to sustain for generations.
Investment in Athletic Department Leadership
The commitment also includes $1.5 million in direct support of the Director of Athletics and the broader pursuit of sustained excellence across UConn's athletic department. This investment will deliver vital, flexible resources that can be deployed immediately to address top strategic priorities.
Commitment to the UConn Golf Facility Project
Rounding out this transformational commitment is a $1 million planned gift in support of the UConn Golf Facility project — a meaningful investment in the growth, development, and long-term success of UConn's golf student-athletes.
The proposed facility will be integrated into a 22-acre university-owned property located just 1.5 miles south of campus. The new development will transform an underutilized site into a thoughtfully designed, purpose-built training environment that enhances the student-athlete experience, utilizing approximately seven acres on the eastern portion of the parcel.
Investing in the Future of Several UConn Sports
The final piece of this commitment includes $2.5 million in support of UConn Football, Baseball, Men's Soccer, and Men's Ice Hockey — a meaningful investment in programs that have built significant momentum in recent years and are led by transformational coaches who are elevating the standard across the board. This support will provide each program with the resources needed to continue that growth and compete at the highest level, further strengthening the full breadth of UConn Athletics for years to come.
The Skinner family's commitment joins a growing tradition of transformational philanthropy that has helped position UConn Athletics among the elite programs in collegiate sports. UConn Athletics is grateful for the Skinner family's vision, generosity, and belief in the future of UConn Nation.
