Facilities: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson signed legislation providing for $8 million for renovations and additions to New Mexico State University's Pan American Center. The university will provide $4 million in matching funds. Improvements to the Pan American Center will include increased fan amenities and revenue enhancements, such as new ticketing areas, additional concession stands, a team retail store and new restrooms. In addition, there will be improvements to "back of house" facilities to include a loading dock and drive-on floor access. New athletics facility additions will involve a practice gymnasium, new locker rooms for men's and women's basketball and volleyball, coaches offices, and training/ treatment areas. "This bill will have a tremendous impact for the university, the community and for Aggie athletics," said New Mexico State Athletics Director Brian Faison. "We appreciate the support of the governor and the legislators throughout the state for making this project possible." ... Prominent Cincinnati philanthropist and businessman Richard E. Lindner has committed $10.2 million to the University of Cincinnati's Varsity Village athletics facilities enhancement project. In recognition of the donation, the school's athletics complex will be named the Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village. The new athletics center, which will be the centerpiece of Varsity Village, will be named the Richard E. Lindner Center. The gift is the largest from an individual to one project in school history. Cincinnati Athletics Director Bob Goin noted that the gift enables the university to "provide all the necessary services for our student-athletes to compete at a Division I level. We are proud that Varsity Village and the center will bear his name. Varsity Village is a reaffirmation of the university's commitment to having an athletics program which competes on the national level." Lindner is president of REL Group, Inc., a Cincinnati-based holding company, and is former owner, chair and CEO of Thriftway, Inc.

Milestones: Jacksonville University men's basketball coach Hugh Durham earned his 600th career victory this season with a 87-75 win over Gardner-Webb University. Durham became the 10th active Division I coach to win 600 games. Durham is in his sixth season at Jacksonville and his 35th season overall as a collegiate head coach ... Lamar University baseball coach Jim Gilligan became the 37th coach in NCAA history to record 900 career wins in Lamar's 6-3 win at Sam Houston State University March 28. After the win, Gilligan's record stood at 901-575 over 27 years.

-- Compiled by Gary T. Brown