The morning of Monday, May 25 marked a historic moment for the Bisons men’s basketball program and for the future of Bison Sports.
Former Bisons basketball player and philanthropist John Loewen announced a remarkable $1 million gift to the Bisons men’s basketball program — the largest gift in Bison Sports history.
The announcement was made during a well-attended event featuring alumni, supporters, university leadership, and several of John’s former teammates and family members, all gathered to celebrate a transformational moment for the program.
The event was emceed by Greg Daniels, with remarks from:
Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation, Bison Sports
(On behalf of Bisons Sports)
Kirby Schepp, Head Coach, Bisons Men’s Basketball
(On behalf of the men’s basketball team)
Rick Watts, former teammate and longtime friend of John
(On behalf of the Herd Hoops Club)
Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM
(On behalf of the University)
For John Loewen, his years at the University of Manitoba (1968-73) were about far more than academics. They were about relationships, opportunity, mentorship, and experiences that helped shape the course of his life.
More than 50 years after graduating, Loewen’s extraordinary contribution will support the Bisons Men’s Basketball program through a dedicated fund designed to enhance the student-athlete experience over the next decade.
For Loewen, the decision to give back was deeply personal:
“Playing with the basketball team for five years was a formative time in my life. I learned so much from the people I played with, from the coaches, from everybody who was involved with that program,” he said. “That really is what leads to the donation. It’s a debt of gratitude for what the university and the program did for me.”
The gift represents far more than financial support. It is an investment in the future of the program and in the generations of student-athletes who will follow.
It also reflects the lasting impact that Bison Basketball continues to have on the lives of its players — building friendships, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the program and the men’s basketball alumni community.
The Herd Hoops Club and the Bisons Men’s Basketball Program congratulate and sincerely thank John Loewen for his extraordinary generosity and commitment to the future of Bisons men’s basketball.
For John’s full story, featured on UMToday — including several photos from the event — please visit the following link:
A game-changing legacy for Bisons Men’s Basketball | UMToday
Above are a few of the alumni who came out to support John at this historic event.