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Hampden-Sydney’s athletics facilities could soon get an upgrade, thanks to the Kirk family. John “Bill” Kirk III and his wife Shireen announced on Monday, July 8 that they’re pledging $1 million to help fund improvements to both Lewis C. Everett Stadium and Fulton Field. That includes a new scoreboard for the facility.

Bill Kirk, who is a Class of ‘72 graduate of Hampden-Sydney, as well as a member of the college’s Board of Trustees, played at Fulton Field as a four-year defensive tackle for the Tigers’ football team. He was a member of the 1971 squad that led the nation in both total and scoring defense. A 2012 H-SC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Bill has been a longtime supporter of Tiger Athletics. He and his wife gifted $4 million to the athletic endowment in 2017 and were major benefactors in the development of the Kirk Athletic Center.

“We are so honored to have Bill and Shireen Kirk continue to play such a big role in Tiger Athletics,” says Director of Athletics Chad Eisele. “Their transformational gifts over the years have played a key role for not only today’s student-athletes but also generations of Tigers to come. This current gift will allow us to upgrade and enhance one of the best stadiums in NCAA Division III.”

College officials went on to say the Kirks’ gift will be instrumental in supporting Hampden-Sydney’s ongoing facilities improvement campaign. The goal is to offer best-in-class facilities to attract and empower future generations of student-athletes.