USC receives $8-million gift for aquatics complex

For an athletic program on NCAA probation, USC shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to constructing state-of-the-art athletic facilities.

The $70-million John McKay Center is on schedule to open in time for football training camp in August and USC announced Tuesday that it had received an $8-million gift from former Trojans swimmer Wilfred “Fred” Uytengsu for an aquatics complex.

USC said the gift was the largest ever made to the athletic department by a former athlete.
Uytengsu graduated from USC in 1983 and continues to compete in triathlons. He is president and chief executive officer of Alaska Milk Corporation in the Philippines. His family also owns a professional basketball team in the Philippines.

The main pool at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center will be named for Uytengsu’s former coach, Peter Daland, who won nine national championships during his tenure from 1958 to 1992.

“I look back at my learnings and experiences at USC with fond memories and realize how many life lessons came from my education there,” Uytengsu said in a statement. “Without a doubt, swimming at USC – and for Coach Daland – was a great opportunity. And I am now pleased to be able to give back and support the university’s goal of upgrading facilities.”

According to USC, the complex will include: “a new diving dry-land training area, a new dive tower, new men’s and women’s swimming, diving and water polo locker and team rooms, new coaches offices for swimming and diving, a multi- purpose room to support activities in the facility, a new scoreboard with video capabilities and a stadium that will seat up to 2,500 that includes a shade structure.”

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USC receives $8-million gift for aquatics complex