COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch announced the dedication of the Denny Boyd Pool at Mizzou Aquatic Center Friday in honor of swimming and diving alum, Denny Boyd. An alumnus and donor to the program, Boyd and his closest family and friends watched the unveiling during Friday's ceremony.
“We're here to celebrate Denny Boyd, a remarkable Tiger, an extraordinary act of generosity, and a legacy that will be part of this facility for generations to come,” Senior Associate Athletics Director Dave Matter said. “Today, Denny and his wife Carla are making a transformational gift to support improvements to Mizzou Aquatic Center, and in recognition of their generosity and Denny's enduring connection to this university, we are naming the pool in his honor.”
Boyd, a California native, came to Mizzou in hopes of not only a great swimming career but also a degree from Trulaske School of Business that would go on to serve him throughout life.
“I did not dread going to 6 a.m. practice, I got to go to 6 a.m. practice. I did not dread going to class, I got to go to class. I did not dread having to do my homework, I got to do my homework,” Boyd said.
“This university helped shape my life and being able to give back means more than I can say.”
For the program, Denny and Carla Boyd’s generous gift will continue to advance the performance and everyday lives of the team. Updated locker rooms to new technology for the pool are just some of the updates made possible from the donation.
"They put us in a position to maintain this incredible facility, this world-class facility at the level that and then some to make some improvements,” Mizzou Director of Swimming and Diving Andrew Grevers said. “This contribution is to help elevate the program where it matters for the next couple weeks. So we will honor them, and we are going to see some massive strides.”
In addition to the dedication of the pool, alumni of the program joined in his celebration with a meet that followed.
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