CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Richard and Donna Tadler, two University of Virginia graduates, have given a $1 million gift to the school’s athletic department, a donation earmarked to support the men’s basketball and men’s and women’s golf programs, UVA announced Tuesday.

“We have been rabid UVA basketball fans since the 70s and this was a way to give back to a University and a program that we love,” Richard Tadler, a 1987 graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at UVA, said in a statement. “Golf is a more recent passion since moving back to Charlottesville in 2014. We have closely followed the men’s and women’s golf programs and have been so impressed by both the coaches and the student-athletes. We want this gift to continue to elevate the programs on and off the course.”

Richard and Donna Tadler, a 1979 graduate of the School of Education and Human Development, met during their time as Virginia undergraduates and were married at the University Chapel in 1979.

“We are grateful for this generous gift from Richard and Donna,” UVA basketball coach Ryan Odom said in a statement. “Their support reflects an unwavering commitment to UVA Athletics and our student-athletes, and it will play an important role in helping us continue to compete for championships.”

For over 25 years, the couple has supported the university, establishing the Tadler Fellowship program and the Donna and Richard Tadler University Professorship of Entrepreneurship at McIntire.

“It’s amazing the support we receive from so many people who love our program and our student-athletes,” men’s golf coach Bowen Sargent said. “As with all donors, Richard and Donna are a big part of why we’ve been so successful. To be successful and compete for ACC and NCAA Championships requires support from people who are passionate about the University, the athletic department and our program. We are very grateful to the Tadlers for their overwhelming generosity.”

Women’s golf coach Ria Scott also expressed appreciation for the Tadlers.

“We are beyond grateful for Richard and Donna’s commitment to Virginia Athletics and our program specifically,” she said in a statement. “Their generosity shows their belief in our program and aligns with our values in developing well-rounded student-athletes. Richard has become a great role model and mentor for what is possible for the student-athlete looking to work in the finance industry.”