LOGAN, Utah – Longtime supporters of Utah State Athletics, Patty and Tom Willis, have made a $750,000 gift benefiting the athletics department, Vice President and Director of Athletics Cameron Walker announced Friday.

The Willis family has consistently invested in the athletics department, including the men's basketball and football programs, as well as Utah State University, and is making this pledge in support of the unified vision outlined by Walker.

"Time and again, Tom and Patty have helped Utah State Athletics reach new heights, and I hope others in our community see their consistent dedication and choose to support the department in the same way," Walker said. 

The gift will support multiple areas within the athletics department and reflects confidence in athletics leadership and coaching staffs, including recently announced head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson and second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

"We are fortunate to have true-blooded Aggies who believe in our shared vision of competitive excellence and continue to invest in the athletics department and the university," Walker said. "I am grateful to Tom and Patty for their renewed commitment, which will continue to shape our future."

A native of Northern Utah now residing in Liberal, Kansas, Tom Willis graduated from Utah State with degrees in agricultural economics and business administration. He is CEO and president of Conestoga Energy Holdings, based in Kansas. CEH focuses on the production and trading of renewable fuels and is a prominent leader in agribusiness. Additionally, Tom's family operates a production agriculture farm and maintains other business holdings.

Willis serves on the university's Foundation Board and has judged Utah State University's rodeo and livestock teams. 

"We have been incredibly blessed to support a university and athletics department that mean so much to us," the Willis family said. "As the athletics department enters this exciting new era, it is important that we all do our part to support the outstanding student-athletes, coaches and administration. The vision for the athletics department will lead us forward and help the university and Cache Valley grow through its success."

Known as one of the premier restaurant destinations in Cache Valley, the Willis family also owns Ruby's, which, through their generosity, has provided meals for Utah State student-athletes on multiple occasions, further reflecting their ongoing investment in the athletics department. 

Show Me Initiative
Utah State Athletics recently launched the Show Me initiative, aimed at strengthening the department as it enters the Pac-12, with specific 6- and 18-month goals. Investments play a key role, including contributions to the Blue A Society, which require donations of $25,000 or more over five years. 

Fans interested in learning how their support can impact the athletics department and the Show Me initiative are encouraged to visit UtahStateAggies.com/ShowMe.

Big Blue Club
The Big Blue Club serves as the official fundraising unit of Utah State University Athletics, supporting scholarships and championship resources for Aggie student-athletes. Every gift and membership directly contributes to the future success of Utah State Athletics. Big Blue Club members are rewarded with perks like complimentary event parking, ticket priority, and other exclusive benefits commensurate with their level of support. Memberships start as low as $50. Invest in the future of Aggie Athletics, here.

About the Blue A Society
The Blue A Society is the leadership-level philanthropic giving society within the Big Blue Club. Membership is reserved for those who are passionate about advancing Aggie Athletics with bold and strategic action, leading the way with financial commitments of $25,000 or more over a five-year period. Invest in the future of Aggie Athletics, here.