Rooted in Community
Giving back is at the core of everything we do.
Atkins Holdings is proud to support the University of Illinois through decades of philanthropic giving that reflects our deep roots in the Champaign community. From the Atkins Tennis Center in 1991 to the donation of over 300 acres including the Atkins Golf Club, and most recently the Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center, our contributions aim to enhance student life, athletics, and the university’s long-term growth.Donated to the Community Starting in 2022
Sunflower Field
In the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, in 2020, the Atkins Group planted a field of sunflowers in the Stone Creek residential subdivision in Urbana to bring a little enjoyment to the community during what had been a pretty rough year. Free and open to the public, the site featured a simple walking maze through the flowers in the shape of the U of I logo.The tradition has continued every year since, though the flowers have moved to Clearview Farm in Champaign following that first year, and has expanded to include more complex mazes, planned activities, and an annual Sunflower Celebration that costs nothing to attend.
Invested in the Region We Call Home
Recent Charitable Contributions
Donated to the U of I in 2020
Atkins Golf Club
Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois is an 18-hole public course in Urbana, IL, and home to the Fighting Illini men’s and women’s golf teams. Originally opened in 1999 as Stone Creek, the course was made possible by Clint Atkins and architects Dick and Tim Nugent.In 2020, the Atkins family gifted over 300 acres—including the golf club, buildings, and equipment—to the University of Illinois, valued at $15 million. The course was then renovated by architect Drew Rogers, featuring new greens, upgraded bunkers, and added yardage for championship-level play.
Donated to the U of I in 2022
Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center
The Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center has been made possible by a generous $3 million gift from Susie Atkins. This state-of-the-art indoor facility will transform training for the Fighting Illini baseball program, providing year-round development opportunities and advancing the team’s pursuit of excellence.
Donated to the U of I in 1991
Atkins Tennis Center
Opened in 1991 at a cost of $5.3 million, the Atkins Tennis Center was made possible through a gift from the Atkins family. It marked the first major athletics facility donation from the family to the University of Illinois.One of the first facilities in the country to feature both indoor and outdoor courts along with locker rooms and a pro shop, the center quickly gained national recognition. In 1992, it was voted one of the most outstanding facilities in the nation by the USTA.
The creation of the Atkins Tennis Center sparked the beginning of sustained national and Big Ten success for Illinois tennis, and today it remains the home of the Fighting Illini men’s and women’s tennis programs. In addition to collegiate competition, the center serves the wider community with public court access and professional-grade amenities—reflecting the Atkins family’s lasting commitment to excellence, access, and impact.