Eastern Illinois Athletics with approval from the Eastern Illinois Board of Trustees has announced the renaming of the home of Panther Basketball and Volleyball as Groniger Arena at Charles P. Lantz Complex.
 
The naming comes following a seven-figure estate gift from Jerry Groniger, who is an EIU Athletic Hall of Fame member and long-time supporter of both the University and Athletic Department.  The gift is the largest single gift to EIU Athletics in school history and will be utilized for enhancements in the current arena and additional athletic spaces.
 
Groniger Arena will be the official name of the current basketball/volleyball arena while the academic use of the current building, athletic offices, the Ray Padovan Pool and Indoor Fieldhouse will fall under the umbrella of the larger title of Lantz Complex.
 
President Jay D. Gatrell notes that "Jerry is an amazing friend of EIU and Panther Athletics. His passion for intercollegiate athletics and commitment to philanthropy is nothing short of transformational and will enable our student-athletes to compete at the highest level for years to come. I am, and all of the EIU, is grateful for him, his leadership, and generosity, and I look forward to our teams competing in Groniger Arena going forward." 
 
"Today is an incredibly special day for Eastern Illinois University and EIU Athletics. We are forever grateful to Jerry for his support of our constant pursuit to enhance the experience of our current and future Panther student-athletes with this generous and transformational gift," said EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael.   "Jerry's support, from past projects to future opportunities, will allow us to make significant facility improvements on our campus. Renaming the facility Groniger Arena, will appropriately ensure Jerry's contribution and legacy live on in perpetuity at Eastern Illinois University."
 
Groniger, a former sales executive with both A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company, and J.M. Smucker Company, has been a significant donor to the EIU Panther Club, EI&U Expect Greatness Campaign and WEIU TV & Radio.   He was the 2019 EIU Panther Club Glen Hesler Award Winner and has donated generously to support EIU Athletics since 2012.   He recently contributed significant funds towards the new EIU women's basketball locker room and weight room renovation project.  He was inducted into the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame as a 'Friend of Athletics' in 2022.