Northwestern University announced this week that the Uihlein family has committed a $35 million gift over the next three years to strengthen its football program, covering development, operations, recruiting and strategic investments in athletics.
Philanthropy fuels the future of Wildcat football
University President Mung Chiang praised the contribution, saying it will help the Wildcats remain competitive in the Power 2 conference and provide a top‑tier experience for student‑athletes.
The pledge follows a series of major capital projects, including an $875 million stadium financed by the Ryan family and a suite of state‑of‑the‑art facilities opened in 2018, underscoring a broader push to elevate the program’s profile.
Mac Uihlein, a former Wildcat linebacker who earned All‑Big Ten Third‑Team honors in 2025 as a graduate student and served as team captain, represents the family’s deep on‑field connection to the university.
Logan Uihlein, an offensive lineman who was on the roster in 2024 but did not see game action, illustrates the family’s ongoing engagement with the team’s roster.
Liz and Dick Uihlein, who together have donated $10 million to a pro‑Trump super PAC, are part of a broader philanthropic pattern that includes support for Chicago‑based institutions and political causes.
Beyond football, the Uihlein family’s business empire includes Uline, a leading shipping and packaging supplier, and EAU Holdings, a hospitality and community‑development firm, collectively valued at $15.8 billion.
The family, based in Lake Forest, Illinois, views Northwestern as a cornerstone of the Chicago region, and their gift reflects a commitment to both athletic excellence and the broader community.