North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Receives $5.2 Million Gift for Athletics
12/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
Dec. 4, 2002
RALEIGH, NC (December 4, 2002) -- Curtis and Jackie Dail, longtime Raleigh-area residents have made one of the largest gifts ever contributed to NC State University. The couple has committed $5.2 million to the Wolfpack Club for an array of athletic capital projects and student-athlete scholarships, it was announced by Bobby Purcell, executive director of the NC State Student Aid Association (Wolfpack Club).
"This is the largest announced gift in the history of NC State Athletics," said Purcell. "With this commitment, we are able to make significant strides towards the completion of the Goal Line Drive Campaign, make much needed improvements to other men's and women's athletic venues, and add to our scholarship endowment program. The entire Wolfpack family thanks Curtis and Jackie for their commitment to NC State."
In return for their commitment, the Dails will have the following facilities named in their honor: Dail Basketball Practice Facility at the Weisiger-Brown Athletics Center; Dail Football Practice Complex; Dail Outdoor Tennis Stadium at the new JW Eisenhour Tennis Center; Dail Baseball Clubhouse Office Wing; and the new Dail Softball Stadium.
In addition, the funds will be used to endow the Men's Basketball 6th Man scholarship and to endow a softball scholarship.
"NC State University has always been close to our hearts," explained Mr. Dail. "Having grown up not too far from here (Cumberland County) and living in the local community (Garner) for some 40 years, we have seen first hand the impact this fine University has made on the young men and women of our state. It has been a center for education, research and athletics for the entire state, and brought a lot of enjoyment to Jackie and me, as well as many many others. Jackie and I are just thankful that we are in position to be able to help in some way."
Chancellor Marye Anne Fox praised the Dails for their support. "Curtis and Jackie Dail are living examples of what makes this state and our university a special place. Because of their benevolence, we are able to touch many lives through education and athletics, and continue the history of NC State as one of the finest universities in the nation. On behalf of the entire NC State community, I thank the Dails for their commitment."
"The Dails have honored NC State with a gift that will help create facilities and scholarships that will continue NC State's excellence in athletics, for many years to come," said Lee Fowler, NC State Director of Athletics. "Many future generations of Wolfpack student-athletes will benefit from the Dail's charity."
Both Curtis and Jackie Dail grew up in Cumberland County. Mr. Dail spent his early years on a family farm where they grew tobacco, cotton and grain. He has worked in law enforcement, served as a member of the famed 101st Airborne Infantry during the Korean War, and worked as a claims adjuster in the insurance industry. He and Jackie moved to Garner in 1960, where the two have owned several retail businesses over the years. In 1975 the Dails started a Hardee's franchise with two locations. They grew the company to include 24 locations before selling the operations in 1988. The couple is currently involved in commercial real estate in eastern North and South Carolina, as well being co-owners of four Batteries Plus stores with their nephew Bill Dail and his wife Linda. Jackie Dail is retired from IBM, following 33 years of service with the company.
The Dails are members of First Presbyterian Church of Garner. Mr. Dail has held many community and civic positions including President of the Men of the Church, Clerk of the Session, Deacon and Elder. Mrs. Dail has been involved as well, serving as President of the Women of the Church, Deacon and Elder, Clerk of the Session, Honorary Lifetime Member of the Presbyterian Women and has served on numerous committees within and associated with the church. North Carolina Governor James G. Martin awarded Mrs. Dail the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1989. Mr. Dail is currently licensed as a fixed wing and rotary pilot and has been flying for more than 15 years.
