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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754496458663.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. (August 6, 2025)&mdash;&nbsp;The DeBruce name is well known across the University of Kansas. Jayhawks and sports fans from around the world have visited the DeBruce Center, housing Dr. James Naismith's original rules of basketball and countless others have benefited from the family's generous support for the KU Cancer Center and KU Alzheimer's and dementia research.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Now, the DeBruce name will forever be linked with KU Football and the future of the university. Proud alums Paul DeBruce and Linda DeBruce have provided a $25 million gift in support of the Gateway District and the overhaul of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which are transforming the area at 11th&nbsp;and Mississippi streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The Gateway District will be a powerful new front door to the university, welcoming Jayhawk students, alumni and fans as well as new recruits and visitors from Kansas and far beyond. The transformed stadium with enhanced game-day fan experiences will be anchored by a dynamic conference center and other commerce and entertainment facilities. The area will be energized year-round, attracting visitors, providing jobs in Lawrence and driving economic growth across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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"Paul and Linda are remarkable leaders, inspiring philanthropists and proud Jayhawks, who leapt at the opportunity to be a part of this transformational project," said KU Director of Athletics&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/travis-goff/166" rel="smarttag" rev="166">Travis Goff</a></dfn>. "We are in awe of all that the DeBruces have done for Kansas Athletics and are so grateful that they are rising to the occasion at this critical moment. The Gateway District and the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium will be a landmark destination for generations to come thanks in large part to their vision and generosity."&nbsp;&nbsp;
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In recognition of the couple's generosity, a premium hospitality space at the stadium has been named the Paul and Linda DeBruce Jayhawk Club, which will offer hospitality on game days and provide student-athletes dining services on non-game days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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"We appreciate the strong educational foundation KU provided to us and the great friends and memories we've made at KU games throughout the years," said Paul DeBruce. "We're proud to support a project with impact of this magnitude."&nbsp;&nbsp;
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"KU Athletics keeps Jayhawks connected to the university," said Linda DeBruce. "It truly is the 'Gateway,' so this project is aptly named."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The couple are proud KU graduates with deep ties to the university. Paul earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Linda earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and continued at KU for graduate school, earning two master's degrees. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and a KU cheerleader.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Just a few years after graduation, Paul became an entrepreneur, founding DeBruce Grain, Inc., an international agricultural and grain-trading firm that he started as a one-man operation and then expanded to 75 locations. He sold the business in 2010 after a long, successful tenure leading the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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A passion for empowering others through opportunities and their own humble beginnings drive the couple's philanthropic work. The DeBruce Foundation has supported more than 90 non-profit organizations from the arts to zoos and everything in between, including civic causes, higher education and social services.&nbsp;
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Paul and Linda are also known for giving back through service to communities and organizations. Paul currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the&nbsp;Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art&nbsp;and formerly was Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Previous board service included the Civic Council of Kansas City, the American Royal, Ozanam Home for Boys and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Linda, a former educator and entrepreneur, has been an important community catalyst and leader for decades, advocating for education and the arts. Along with her oldest daughter, she has led an international micro-lending program, and, like her husband, serves on multiple boards. She currently serves on the Advocacy Board at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Board of Directors of the DeBruce Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, in Venice, Italy.
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"We're so grateful for the DeBruce family's generosity and continued legacy of loyal support for KU," said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. "This incredible gift is an investment not just in the Gateway District but in our university, our students and the state of Kansas."&nbsp;&nbsp;
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🏈 Paul and Linda DeBruce provide $25 million gift for KU Gateway District