(Iowa City, IA) -- The owners of the World's Largest Truck stop in Walcott, Iowa are donating $10 million dollars to endow the Hawkeye football program. Will and Renee Moon are both Iowa grads and and loyal Hawkeye fans. The gift creates an endowment fund. Funds will also support a Kinnick Stadium north end zone seating and concourse project. In recognition of the Moons’ support, Kirk Ferentz and all future UI head football coaches will hold the title of Moon Family Head Football Coach.
Statement from Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz:
“As we have become better acquainted with Will and Renee, it has become very clear they embody a true spirit of generosity,” says Ferentz, the winningest coach in Iowa history and longest tenured football coach in the nation. “Their commitment in making this gift, in the midst of a pandemic, is a remarkable commitment to their belief in our programs and student-athletes.
"Renee and Will are dedicated to the betterment of Iowa athletics. Their gift of this magnitude will prove beneficial for Iowa student-athletes for years and years to come. I am so appreciative of their generosity, and their continued dedication and commitment to the University of Iowa and Iowa Athletics. More importantly, we value their friendship and appreciate their unwavering support of our football program.”
By creating an endowment, a portion of the Moons’ donation will be invested into a fund that will generate a steady stream of income for Iowa Athletics and the football program in perpetuity.
Statement from Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta:
“Will and Renee are passionate about the university, they’re passionate about Iowa athletics, and specifically they’ve been very supportive of Hawkeye football,” says Gary Barta, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “They understand the importance of private contributions to Hawkeye athletics, and even more so during the challenging times related to the pandemic. They’re supporting the program for today’s needs, but also, by creating an endowment, they’re providing a way of supporting Hawkeye football forever.”