The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the arena at NC State University’s William Neal Reynolds Coliseum will be named the James T. Valvano Arena in honor of the V Foundation founder and legendary NC State University men’s basketball coach. Twenty-five years ago, Jim Valano and ESPN founded the V Foundation with the goal of achieving Victory Over Cancer®. Valvano led the 1983 Wolfpack to an NCAA National Championship and reminded us, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®
“Jim always said that Reynolds Coliseum was a special place and I know that he would be almost speechless to receive this honor,” said Nick Valvano, V Foundation President Emeritus and former Chief Executive Officer and Jim’s brother. “Personally, I cannot thank enough those who helped support this tribute.”
On December 5, prior to NC State’s Heritage Game, the James T. Valvano Arena will be formally dedicated to Jim Valvano. The naming of the arena comes from a group of generous supporters as part of NC State’s Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign, to honor the life and contributions of the late Jim Valvano. This year, the V Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Valvano’s 1983 team celebrates 35 years since its NCAA National Championship win. Since the V Foundation’s inception, more than $225 million has been awarded for breakthrough cancer research nationwide.
The Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum honors the accomplishments of one of the original members of the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2012. The arena is the home competition venue for NC State women’s basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling. It will also continue to host the men’s basketball Heritage Game each year, in addition to numerous university and special events.
“What a beautiful way to honor Jim and his contribution to college basketball,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Jim had such energy and determination. He fulfilled the seemingly impossible dream of an NCAA Championship and 10 short years later, he set us on another path to victory. Because of his call to action, the V Foundation has awarded more than $225 million to cancer research. Both of his legacies have left a lasting impact on so many. We heed Jim’s words every day. ‘Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!’®”
The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 4% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
