The F.M. Kirby Foundation has donated $2 million to the College to endow the position of head football coach. Held by Frank Tavani for 14 years, the position has been named the Fred M. Kirby II ’42 Head Football Coach.
Funds from the endowment will be used for football coaches’ salaries, football operations, football scholarships, and can also be used for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, or academic support.
The endowment pays tribute to Fred Kirby’s lifelong loyalty to the football program. A member of the College’s undefeated 1940 team, he remained a devoted supporter as an alumnus, providing encouragement to players and coaches, contributing financially, and aiding in the renovation of the football stadium. Upon his death in 2011, his jersey number 53 was retired, the first such honor at Lafayette.
Under Kirby’s leadership, his family foundation continued a legacy of extraordinary support of Lafayette begun by his grandfather, Fred Morgan Kirby, and carried on by his father, Allan Price Kirby ’15. The support is evidenced by the Kirby Professorship in Civil Rights, Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Kirby House, and Kirby Sports Center.