Alumni Make Sizable Gifts To Athletic Program

Big Blue Club members and Intercollegiate Foundation trustees Barry Kornblau ’71 and Carlton Bennett ’72 recently presented big checks – literally and figuratively – to the athletic program during two men’s home basketball games. Kornblau, a former Alumni Association president, gave $500,000 to help the university reach its $8 million goal in support of adding football and expanding women’s sports.

Kornblau, for whom the alumni center is named thanks to a previous gift, is chairman and CEO of Summit Realty Group Inc. in Glen Allen, Va.

Bennett gave $250,000 to establish the Carlton Bennett Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship. An attorney from Virginia Beach, he is a partner with Bennett & Zydron, P.C.

Barry Kornblau ’71 (holding check) is joined by new football coach Bobby Wilder for the presentation. Pictured with Kornblau are, from left: Alonzo Brandon ’85, vice president for development and alumni relations; Wilder’s wife, Pam; President Roseann Runte; coach Wilder; Jim Jarrett, director of athletics; and Big Blue.

Joining Carlton Bennett ’72 (third from left) for his presentation are, from left: Big Blue; Bennett’s wife, Sue; President Roseann Runte; Jim Jarrett, director of athletics; and Alonzo Brandon ’85, vice president for development and alumni relations.