ORLANDO, Fla. – UCF Athletics is proud to announce an enhanced estate commitment from Gary and Barbara Bryant, who originally pledged $13 million through their estate in 2019 and have recently increased it to $20 million.
As one of the largest pledges in UCF Athletics history, the proceeds—once funded—will establish the Gary W. and Barbara A. Bryant Family Athletic Endowed Scholarship Fund and will perpetually support student-athlete scholarships at UCF.
The increase in their deferred commitment complements their active cash pledge of $750,000 in support of the Hagle Football Gateway project. In recognition of this pledge, the lobby of the forthcoming Taylor A. Gerring Football Center will bear the Bryant family’s name.
“Barbara and I believe strongly in obtaining a quality education that opens more doors and opportunities,” said Gary Bryant. “We are excited to expand our estate commitment to UCF Athletics to sustainably help future student-athletes earn a great education and excel in their sport at our hometown university. We feel truly fortunate to provide such a pledge through our estate and also to help build facilities. We only hope others will follow our lead.”
Gary Bryant, a retired president and CEO of several life and health insurance companies, and his wife, Barbara—residents of Lake Mary, Florida—have long believed in the power of higher education and athletics to transform lives. Their philanthropic leadership has made an impact across multiple institutions, but their hometown connection to UCF has inspired some of their most significant investments in collegiate athletics.
“I would like to thank Gary and Barbara for their leadership and generosity,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Their support of educational opportunities for our student-athletes and their commitment to the development of competitive facilities will make a lasting impact at UCF. We are grateful they have adopted UCF as their own and are fueling our excellence in the classroom and on the playing surface.”
The Hagle Football Gateway is a bold initiative to reimagine and elevate UCF Football’s infrastructure and presence. The project includes the construction of the Taylor A. Gerring Football Center, enhancements to the Wayne Densch Practice Complex, the development of Nicholson Plaza, and the addition of McNamara Cove, which will feature a state-of-the-art recovery river and hydrotherapy facilities. These upgrades are central to Mission XII, a comprehensive campaign to expand and modernize facilities for all UCF student-athletes throughout the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village.
“We are deeply grateful to Gary and Barbara Bryant for their continued generosity and support of UCF Athletics,” said Terry Mohajir, UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Their estate commitment not only honors their legacy but also propels our student-athletes toward greater academic achievements. The Gary and Barbara Bryant Football Lobby naming inside the Taylor A. Gerring Football Center also reflects their passion for the Knights.”