February 28, 2001

WKU Receives Major Gift
In Support Of Football, Basketball

Bowling Green, Ky. - Garland Reeves of Bowling Green has made a commitment to Western Kentucky University's athletics program funded through income from a gift of rental property. The property, valued at $230,000, will provide $12,000 a year in rental income.

According to Tom Hiles, WKU's vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, the gift will provide annual support for the Hilltopper Basketball, Lady Topper Basketball, and Hilltopper Football programs.

"Mr. Reeves is a long-time supporter of Western and WKU athletics," Hiles said. "We are so appreciative of this generous gift that supports athletics and our 'Investing in the Spirit' Campaign."

Reeves graduated from WKU in 1943, with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He worked as a chemist at Seagrams in Louisville until 1947, when he followed in his father's footsteps by opening his own grocery store in Bowling Green. In 1961, he and his brother, Lester, entered into a grocery partnership, the Reeves Food Center on the 31W By-pass in Bowling Green.

His business successes also included home building and development, as he developed Bowling Green neighborhoods in and around Western Hills, T.C. Cherry, Newman Road, Winfield Acres and the Bristow School. In 1941, he married Rhea Kitchens, and they had three sons - Dennis, Steve and Ron - all of whom attended Western. Mrs. Reeves died in 1999.

"I considered the Athletics Department, particularly men's and women's basketball and football, because I have followed so closely with this organization as a member of the 100 Club and a season ticket holder for more than 25 years," Reeves said.

Hiles said a gift of real estate is an excellent way to support Western.

"Highly appreciated properties can be gifted directly to the WKU Foundation, providing tax benefits to the donor and supporting programs that are important to the donor," he said. "We are grateful that Mr. Reeves has made this generous leadership commitment."

Athletics Director Wood Selig said the gift will have a lasting impact for university athletics.

"Western is reaching new levels of excellence, but in the competitive world of collegiate athletics it is difficult to remain among the very best," Selig said. "Now, more than ever, the University needs financial strength to maintain its present level of success and to continue to improve. We are so grateful for this generous commitment."

For more information, contact Tom Hiles at (270) 745-6208. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.