Who is David Booth? University of Kansas alumnus who donated $300m
David Booth donates $300 million to University of Kansas, fueling stadium upgrades and Gateway District development
David G. Booth, a University of Kansas alumnus and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, has made a transformative $300 million donation to his alma mater, marking the largest gift in the university’s history and one of the most significant in college athletics. This unprecedented contribution will significantly enhance the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding Gateway District, ushering in a new era for KU Athletics.
A substantial portion of the donation, $75 million, is earmarked for the second phase of stadium renovations, which includes the reconstruction of the east side stands and the development of a mixed-use facility featuring a hotel, retail and dining spaces, student housing, and an outdoor event plaza. The remaining funds will establish a sustainable revenue stream for KU Athletics, ensuring long-term support for the university’s sports programs.
Booth’s philanthropic legacy at KU is well-established. In 2017, he pledged $50 million to renovate the stadium, which was subsequently renamed in his honor. His latest gift underscores his enduring commitment to enhancing the university’s athletic facilities and fostering community engagement.
As the Jayhawks prepare to open their 2025 football season at the newly renovated stadium, Booth’s contribution stands as a testament to the profound impact of alumni support on the future of collegiate athletics.
Who is David Booth?
Early Life & Education
David Gilbert Booth was born on December 2, 1946, in Lawrence, Kansas. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1968 and a Master’s in Business in 1969 from the University of Kansas. Booth then pursued an MBA at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1971. During his time there, he worked as a research assistant to Nobel Prize-winning economist Eugene Fama, where he also met his future business partner, Rex Sinquefield.
Pioneering Investment Career
In 1981, Booth co-founded Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), a firm that emphasizes data-driven, research-backed investing rather than traditional stock-picking. From humble beginnings in a Brooklyn apartment, DFA grew into a global investment firm managing hundreds of billions in assets. Booth’s approach focuses on diversification, cost efficiency, and factor investing, positioning DFA as a leader in academic-finance-driven portfolio management.
Philanthropy & Legacy
Booth has been a transformative philanthropist, particularly in education. At the University of Chicago, he made a landmark gift of approximately $300 million in 2008, resulting in the business school being named in his honor. As an alumnus of the University of Kansas, Booth has supported numerous initiatives, including funding the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, helping acquire James Naismith’s original basketball rules, and donating over $50 million toward the renovation of Kansas Memorial Stadium, now named after him. In 2025, he pledged $300 million to KU to support further stadium upgrades and the Gateway District development, marking one of the largest gifts in the history of college athletics.
Philosophy & Influence
Booth’s investment philosophy is grounded in rigorous academic research and long-term thinking. He champions diversified, low-cost portfolios and fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture at DFA. Beyond finance, his philanthropic vision has left a lasting impact on both education and athletics, providing resources that will benefit generations to come.
