KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State athletics is proud to announce that the field at Fifth Third Stadium, home of the Owls' football, soccer and lacrosse programs, will be named Walens Family Field in recognition of a transformative $4 million philanthropic gift from
Dave and Donna Walens.
A special recognition for the Dave and Donna Walens family will occur at halftime
on Saturday, Sept. 13, when the Owls host
Merrimack at
6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend and celebrate the historic moment for KSU athletics. Tickets are on sale now.
"I am thrilled to celebrate the newly named Walens Family Field with Dave and Donna the weekend of Sept. 13, and I encourage all of Owl Nation to join us," said Director of Athletics
Milton Overton. "The Walens family has made a transformational impact on our current and future Owls, and we will be reminded of that each time we cheer for KSU on Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. I am tremendously grateful for their continued support of our student-athletes' and coaches' mission to 'Build Champions on the Field, in the Classroom and in Life.' Let's go Owls!"
Dave Walens' contributions to Kennesaw State have been numerous, including one of the most recognized symbols on the Kennesaw Campus – the iconic black and gold sculpture of the university's "KS" mark on the Campus Green. Walens, the former CEO and president of Exploring, Inc., commissioned his company to design, build, and install the more than 10-foot logo sculpture, which was unveiled in 2020.
Previously, the Walens family was one of the first donors to the
Legacy Locker initiative supporting
The Owls Fund, the fundraising arm of KSU athletics.
"We are grateful to Dave and Donna Walens for their continued generosity at Kennesaw State," said Kennesaw State President
Kathy S. Schwaig. "Their support has touched many corners of the University and I'm proud to have their name enshrined on our field as the latest mark of their steadfast support and belief in our mission."
Walens began his involvement with Kennesaw State by serving on, and eventually chairing, the advisory board for the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center in the Michael J. Coles College of Business. That led to his nomination to the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, which he is serving on for his sixth year.
The first official event to take place at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium will be Kennesaw State's women's soccer home opener against Memphis on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.
A Statement from Dave Walens and Family
Kennesaw State University is more than just an institution to me—it's a place where potential becomes possibility, where students and student-athletes alike are given the resources to grow, achieve, and lead. As KSU continues its impressive journey of growth, I am proud to contribute to the new Sports Performance Facility. This state-of-the-art space will touch the lives of every student-athlete, providing them with the tools they need to excel in competition and life.
What draws me to KSU is its entrepreneurial spirit, a quality that resonates deeply with my own journey. As a first-generation entrepreneur, I have spent the last 41 years building my business and embracing opportunities that required courage, resilience, and vision. Many of my company's leaders are KSU graduates, and they embody the same drive and determination that this university fosters.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of hosting nearly 1,000 KSU students at my facility through the Dream Builders Tour. Witnessing their curiosity, ambition, and excitement has been profoundly rewarding. These experiences have shown me how impactful community support can be—and have inspired me to give back in a meaningful way.
The opportunity to name KSU's football field is an honor that goes beyond recognition. It is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the belief that every student who steps onto that field or campus can achieve greatness. At its heart, this contribution reflects my belief that kindness is a strength and that investing in others creates a ripple effect of success.
This is a pivotal moment for KSU, its athletic department, and its students. Donna and I are grateful to play a role in supporting a university that has given so much to so many and to help ensure its legacy of excellence continues for generations to come.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Joining The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on X/Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
