University to Name Football Field House for Alabama Insurance Executive

Birmingham, Alabama’s Samford University announced on that its new football field house will be named for the Birmingham family that provide a lead gift.

The school said the Cooney Family Field House was made possible with the lead gift from Gary Cooney, vice chairman of McGriff, Seibels & Williams Inc., an insurance brokerage firm.

Cooney said he wanted to honor his parents, the late John and Patricia Cooney, and other family members with the naming.

“Our family has a long history with Samford, and my hope is that these gifts will encourage others to support this great university,” Cooney said.

The announcement came during the university’s homecoming celebration, which included recognition of Samford’s 1971 national championship football team. Cooney was a member of that team.

The 39,000-square-foot building is scheduled for completion in time for the 2009 football season.