Grant Hill gives back $1.25 million to Duke

He’s a household name in the city of Durham and Duke Nation worldwide. It’s no surprise that Grant Hill supports his alma mater.

He has given back to Duke University on several different occasions. It was announced on Wednesday that Hill and his wife, Tamia, are donating $1.25 million to the university that started his basketball career.

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Hill specified that Duke Athletics will receive $1 million for facility upgrades and $250,000 will go to the Duke Annual Fund, supporting Trinity College. Trinity College is Duke’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“As an outstanding example of a Duke student-athlete, Grant Hill became a beloved part of Duke’s history,” President Richard H. Brodhead said. “We’re grateful that Grant and Tamia have helped to ensure that Duke’s tradition of academic opportunities and remarkable student-athletes continue well into the future.”

Kevin White, Vice President and Director of Athletics, said Hill “represents the very best of Duke University.”

“This generous gift from Grant and Tamia will enhance the college experience of many future Duke students across several disciplines, including athletics,” White said. “The fact that it comes from someone who is synonymous with the excellence that defines this great institution make it even more special.”

The part of the contribution the Hill family made to the Annual Fund helped the Class of 1994 give $3,062,835 back to the school. That mark was an all-time giving record by a 20^th reunion class.

“We are extremely grateful for the Hills’ generous pledge to the Annual Fund on behalf of the Class of 1994,” said the dean of Trinity College, Laurie Patton. “Annual Fund gifts to Trinity College have an immediate impact on the lives of our undergraduates. They enable to administration to act with speed and flexibility to develop innovative undergraduate programs, provide aid to our talented students, and recruit and retain the highest quality faculty.”

Hill was a four-year letterman for Duke back in 1991-94. He was on two National Championship teams (1991 and 1992) and was given honor after honor. He earned All-ACC and All-America accolades as well as being named ACC Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year. He was the first player in the history of the ACC to amass 1,900 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists, 200 steals and 100 blocked shots over his career. He was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, selected by the Detroit Pistons.

After his days at Duke, Hill spent 18 seasons in the NBA having playing stints with the Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers.

“Tamia and I are in a fortunate position to be able to give back to the university that did so much for me,” said Hill. “In the 20 years since my graduation, I am certain that the academic environment, the coaches and staff, and every facet of being a student at Duke contributed to make me a better person.”