Dwyane Wade donates $3M to grow programs at Marquette University

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- NBA Hall of Famer and Marquette University alumnus Dwyane Wade has committed to a $3 million gift that will make a major impact on three areas at the university. 

According to a news release, the generous donation will extend the Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program, establish the Wade Scholars and support a new men’s basketball practice facility in a future expansion of the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center.

“Marquette shaped me into the person I am today. It means a great deal to me and my family to be able to give back to take the university to the next level,” Wade said. “My hope is to continue to transform lives through higher education.” The three-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur served as Marquette’s 2022 undergraduate Commencement speaker, receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

“Dwyane has been an inspiration across the world, and his legacy is so much bigger than basketball,” President Michael R. Lovell said. “We are proud of the way Dwyane represents our Marquette mission. His generous gift will make a major impact on the lives of our current students as well as future generations, and it will significantly elevate our men’s basketball program.”

Wade, according to the release, has cultivated a spirit of service and giving back to the Marquette community that spans nearly a decade.

“We are so thankful for this gift which will ensure that Milwaukee children will continue to strengthen their literacy skills, grow in knowledge and confidence, and get off to a good start with learning in the fall,” said Associate Professor and Hartman Center Director Dr. Kathleen Clark, who has led the program since its inception.