Mike Wicks Donated $1.5 Million to UAH

The gift will name a new multi-purpose hall in the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

Empty, modern university lecture hall with rows of modular wooden chairs and high ceilings, illuminated by bright daylight. — Entrepreneur and UAH alumnus Mike Wicks donated $1.5 million to The University of Alabama in Huntsville to fund the new Wicks Family Innovation Hall. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Entrepreneur and UAH alumnus Mike Wicks has donated $1.5 million to The University of Alabama in Huntsville. The gift will result in the naming of the Wicks Family Innovation Hall within the new Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building.

Why it matters

The donation recognizes the impact UAH had on Wicks as he pursued his education and professional career. His support helps provide a versatile space designed to serve as both a large classroom and an event venue for the campus community.

The $1.5 million gift covers the naming rights for the largest multi-purpose space within the new engineering facility. The university board officially approved the terms of the donation on September 11, 2026.

The players

Mike Wicks

He is a veteran entrepreneur who founded Summit Research Corp and Integration Innovation Inc. and currently serves as the CEO of Diakonos Oncology.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

It is a public research university in Huntsville that serves as a center for engineering and technology education.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees

This body holds the legal authority to govern the university and approve major financial gifts and facility naming projects.

The details

The Wicks Family Innovation Hall is designed for flexibility and can function as a single large classroom or be divided into two separate spaces for various events. The gift was officially approved by The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees to honor the Wicks family connection to the institution.

Mike Wicks earned his master's degree from UAH in 1993.
Chandler and Chelsea Wicks graduated from UAH engineering in 2013.
Mike Wicks became CEO of Diakonos Oncology in 2022.
Mike Wicks was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2023.
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the gift on September 11, 2026.

Market Landscape

The donation follows a pattern of engagement established by inductees into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. It underscores a trend of accomplished alumni reinvesting in their alma mater to expand academic and research infrastructure in the Huntsville region.

Students and faculty will gain access to a versatile new multi-purpose facility designed for specialized instruction and professional gatherings. The addition enhances the university infrastructure, potentially increasing the capacity for hosting industry-led events and collaborative projects.

The takeaway

This donation highlights how alumni successes in the engineering sector often lead to sustained support for university expansion projects. Students can benefit from these partnerships as they transition into local industry roles in Huntsville.