The University of Missouri-Rolla has received a $250,000 gift from Peter and Betty Jane Kinyon to assist the university’s football program. The gift was announced during the MSM-UMR Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on campus today.

"Pete and Betty Jane Kinyon’s commitment to the Miner football program is to be commended," says Chancellor John F. Carney III. "This money will help further enhance the growing football program at UMR and advance the entire UMR athletic program."

“Pete and Betty Jane clearly understand the impact athletics can provide in the development of young people,” said UMR director of athletics Mark Mullin. “Their generous contribution will assist us in our efforts to provide the best environment possible for those in our program and those close to it. We are excited about the future of Miner Athletics and pleased that they will be a significant part of it.”

“The Kinyons have demonstrated a sincere belief in college football and the benefits that the players, campus and community receive from a strong program,” said UMR head football coach Kirby Cannon. “With the gift, we hope to profoundly affect the program with improvements in facilities and scholarships.

“The football family at UMR thanks Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon and welcomes them into our special circle,” Cannon added.

The Kinyons moved to Rolla in 1988 upon their retirement. Peter, a former football player and assistant coach at the University of Michigan, worked in employee and labor relations for the Ford Motor Co. in the Detroit area for 12 years and in employee relations for Abbott Laboratories in Chicago for 18 years while his wife was a kindergarten teacher.

In Rolla, Kinyon has been a member of the Lions Club and has been involved with the collection and recycling of eyeglasses for developing countries; the local chapter has collected more than 3,000 pairs of glasses annually for that cause.

He has also stayed active in the Meals on Wheels program as well as with Christ Episcopal Church, where he has served as a senior warden of the vestry and as chairman of the lay ministers.

Kinyon previously established a $1 million charitable remainder trust for the Division of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, which was the largest gift ever received by that division.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Michigan in 1952 and later earned a master’s degree in education from the institution while serving on the football staff.