Tucson Standard

Former University of Arizona football player Douglas Allred has donated $4.8 million to the UArizona athletic department.

Allred, a member of the Wildcats' football team from 1955-56, earned his bachelor's degree in business at the university, UArizona reported in a release. He also is a Navy veteran who served in the Underwater Demolition Teams, a unit that preceded the Navy SEALs.

"Our athletics department's ability to provide a gold-standard student-athlete experience is powered by the everlasting generosity of our supporters and alumni like Douglas Allred," Dave Heeke, vice president and director of athletics at UArizona, said in the release. "Doug is an exceptional ambassador of our Wildcat Family and University of Arizona community, and he embodies what championship excellence means as a student and an athlete at this flagship institution."

Allred worked in real estate for Coldwell Banker before he co-founded the Lion Property Corp. in 1970, serving for 11 years as the firm's president and CEO, UArizona reported. He followed up in 1981 by founding the Douglas Allred Co.

"Doug has championed Arizona Athletics for years, both as a supporter and a passionate fan, and I am grateful for his investment in a program that was such a meaningful part of his time at the university," UArizona President Robert C. Robbins said in the release. "His success off the field, first in the Navy and then in private enterprise, form an incredible legacy and I am proud he has chosen to share part of his legacy with the university."

With Allred at its helm, the Douglas Allred Co. has developed more than 6,300 residential units and over 13 million square feet of retail, commercial and industrial space, UArizona reported.

"I love the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics as they are the foundation of many of my greatest lifelong friendships and professional endeavors," Allred said in the release. "As a student at the university, I met Ann, my wife of 55 years, and our family's roots have therefore been deeply connected to the University of Arizona and the city of Tucson. This outstanding institution also shaped my life as a football letter winner to go on to serve our country and build my own businesses. Arizona's dedication to a first-class experience of student-athletes and commitment to preparing generations of Wildcats for successful careers is inspiring to see. I want to ensure future leaders and champions have as impactful careers as students and athletes as I did."

University of Arizona Foundation President and CEO John-Paul Roczniak said Allred has made good on the values taught at UArizona, the university reported.

"Doug knows firsthand how the many lessons learned as a student-athlete shape values, instill tradition and create attitudes for success in life," Roczniak said in the release. "He's paying it forward for a new generation of Wildcats to forge their own paths, and I thank him for his support."

Allred's gift will go toward UArizona's men's basketball and football departments, the university reported. Some will also contribute to the Lute Olson Endowment for Excellence in Men's Basketball.

"I would like to thank Doug for these tremendous gifts that impact the everyday lives of our student-athletes and for his commitment to supporting our Wildcat Way mission of providing opportunities for student-athletes to become academic, athletic and life champions," Heeke said.