ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico and the Lobo baseball program received a tremendous gift, as J. Dee Dennis Jr., in honor of his family, has committed to a gift of $300,000 towards renovations at Santa Ana Star Field.
J.Dee Dennis Jr., father of former Lobo Dee Dennis of the class of 2000, has given a gift that will help complete the new clubhouse and locker room facility. It will also help towards future renovations.
“I’ve had a blessed life, and my son was a part of this program and I saw what it did for him,” said Dennis. “I think it’s a great honor to give back to this program and help these young men become great men later in life.”
Dee Dennis is the founder of DKD Electric, the company that donated the lights at Santa Ana Star Field that were installed in the fall of 2013. Head coach Ray Birmingham expressed hope that this gift will inspire others to help promote the community and the state of New Mexico.
“This gift is extremely impactful to the future of Lobo Baseball,” said Birmingham. “The Dennis Family is an incredible family, and their leadership in this state has been inspiring to me. They take care of New Mexico. For them to take their hard earned money and share it with their community in hopes that great things can happen, it gives me a great sense of responsibility.”
This past season, the Lobos won the Mountain West Championship at home and went on to win their first game in the NCAA Lubbock Regional. Both Dennis and Birmingham believe the program is close to advancing to the College World Series, and that this gift will help push the program forward.
“This will get kids to this facility that normally wouldn’t come, they will take a serious look at the UNM baseball program and they won’t go somewhere else,” Dennis said. “It will help to make this great program even stronger. It will give coach an opportunity to hold a regional tournament here at home, which is not possible without a complete, top-notch facility, and that is what we are looking for.
“I believe in Coach Birmingham and he inspired me to help. Our family will continue to contribute as much as we can and support Lobo Baseball and our community!”