CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia has announced the CEO of a Salem-based Caterpillar machinery dealership has given $5 million to the men’s basketball program.

While Drew and Katie Parker are both grads of the University of Illinois Urbanna/Champaigne, the UVA release said, “The Parker family believes in the power of athletics to shape character, build community and elevate UVA on a national stage.”

The gift was earmarked for the Athletic Director’s Excellence Fund which means it will be used at Athletics Director Carla Williams’ discretion to support Virginia men’s basketball.

“This gift to the AD’s Excellence Fund will provide support for recruiting and operations. This type of philanthropic generosity is critical in this new era of collegiate men’s basketball, and we are very grateful for Kate and Drew’s commitment to helping us,” said Williams in a release.

Head basketball coach Ryan Odom said, “We are so grateful to Drew and Kate for their incredible generosity and belief in Virginia Basketball. Our mission is to develop men of character who pursue excellence on and off the court. Their investment will help make that possible by ensuring our student-athletes have every opportunity to reach their full potential. We’re honored to have their support and thankful for their tremendous commitment to Virginia Basketball.” 

Deputy Athletics Director and VAF Executive Director Kevin said, “This transformational five-million-dollar commitment comes at a moment when our entire athletics program is competing — and succeeding — at the highest levels nationally.”

Carter Machinery is the authorized Caterpillar dealer for some 30 locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, DC.