AD Josh Whitman: We have an opportunity to develop our football program into a power in our conference and on the national stage.
AD Josh Whitman: Lovie Smith has surrounded himself with great people on his staff. Just met with the team to introduce them to Stu.
AD Josh Whitman: The next ingredient in the formula is surrounding those people with great resources. That's what we're doing now, giving them the things we need in our football program.
AD Josh Whitman: The dirt is getting moved every day. The holes are getting bigger.
"It will be an absolute game-changer for us."
AD Josh Whitman: We have to find great strategic partners who are willing to spend their time, talents and resources to invest into the growth of our program. That's where Stu and Nancy Levenick enter the conversation.
AD Josh Whitman: Stu Levenick "is a tried and true Illini."
AD Josh Whitman: Stu is one of the first people I've met in this position. Grown into a great friend and ally and confidant.
AD Josh Whitman: Stu's $5 million gift "has set the tone" for gifts coming in which will be announced in coming months.
Lovie Smith: Always great to give players a visual. Always good to bring Stu Levenick and see someone who's gone through the same path
Lovie: "Just think of what we'll be able to do (in recruiting) when we get this facility."
Stu Levenick: "If I close my eyes ... I'm still being interviewed by Loren Tate." #TateTales
Stu Levenick: "I got a lot out of this place."
Stu Levenick: The lessons I learned on the gridiron and in the classroom were lessons that really sustained me through my career. That was my message to the team today.
Stu Levenick: "I really believe in the student-athlete experience."
Stu Levenick: The leadership through the board to president to chancellor to Josh to DIA and Lovie, we have world-class leadership.
Stu Levenick: "The investments we're making here will pay off ...It'll take a while. Rome wasn't built in a day. But we will win."
Stu Levenick said he’s bought into leadership of Josh Whitman, “an Illini,” and Lovie Smith, who “grows the man and then the player.” #illini – at Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building
Stu Levenick: I really think a combination of a winning athletic program and this world-class university will set us apart.
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