LAWRENCE, Kan. (Aug. 13, 2025) — Just days before the highly anticipated Kansas Jayhawks football season opener against Fresno State on August 23, the University of Kansas made a groundbreaking announcement. Alumnus David G. Booth from Austin, Texas, has pledged an extraordinary gift of approximately $300 million. This remarkable contribution is not only the largest in the history of Kansas Athletics but also ranks among the most significant single donations in college athletics overall.
David Booth, a proud graduate of both Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas, is renowned as an investing legend. He is the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a global investment firm that manages assets totaling $853 billion as of June 30, 2025. His visionary gift includes a $75 million challenge aimed at encouraging other donors, which will significantly advance the next phase of the Gateway District and the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Booth's unparalleled generosity is expected to create a lasting stream of income that will fortify Kansas Athletics for generations to come. Travis Goff, the KU Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor, expressed profound gratitude, stating, "David's unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future. It accelerates phase II of the Gateway District and the new 'Booth' and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision."
The impact of Booth's commitment extends beyond just financial support. It will propel the development of the Gateway District, which is set to feature a new hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking, and an outdoor event plaza. This ambitious project aims to enhance the overall experience for students, alumni, and fans alike.
As the landscape of college athletics evolves, Booth's generosity will enable KU to maintain a leadership position amidst changes in NCAA and conference dynamics. Douglas A. Girod, KU Chancellor, remarked on the significance of Booth's gift, stating, "His generosity is inspiring, and his loyalty to KU runs deep. We are beyond grateful for his transformative gift."
For Booth, giving back to the University of Kansas is a meaningful investment in its mission. He hopes his philanthropy will motivate others to contribute to the Gateway District project, which he envisions as a model for future football stadiums. "One of life's greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you," Booth shared. "KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me."
Booth's commitment to philanthropy mirrors his approach to investing, emphasizing the long-term benefits that such contributions can yield. "Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come," he stated. His family's connection to KU dates back to his childhood, when they would gather to listen to KU games, and he later became actively involved by working as an usher and selling popcorn at basketball games.
Having graduated from KU with both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968 and a Master of Science in Business in 1969, Booth further honed his expertise with an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1971. He founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981, applying principles of financial science to create practical investment solutions.
Booth's gift is the latest chapter in a long-standing legacy of support for KU. His previous contributions include a foundational gift of $50 million in 2017 for stadium renovations and the donation of James Naismith's original rules of basketball to the university. His philanthropy has significantly transformed athletics at KU and has extended to various fields, including arts and academics.
As the opening game approaches, Booth’s excitement is palpable. "I feel the same inspiration that I felt as an usher in the stadium in 1960. I was blown away by all the people in the stands and the Jayhawk spirit. I'm feeling the same way now — I'm ready to celebrate with everyone," Booth exclaimed.
KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization that serves as the official fundraising and fund-management entity for the University of Kansas. Established in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a public university in the United States.
Kansas Athletics operates as a not-for-profit corporation, organized in 1925 to enhance intercollegiate athletics in conjunction with educational activities at the University of Kansas. The organization oversees 18 men's and women's intercollegiate sports teams and is committed to fostering excellence in both athletics and academics, serving a diverse community of approximately 30,000 students.
