FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former University of Arkansas and current Ladies Professional Golf Association star Stacy Lewis became the first female member of the Razorback Foundation’s Century Circle, with her recent gift to the golf program.

Lewis, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, is the first former female student-athlete to donate $100,000 or more to the program. Her gift is earmarked for expansion of the Razorback golf training facilities at Blessings.

“We are grateful to Stacy Lewis for her generous gift which will directly benefit current and future Razorback student-athletes,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “Despite her demanding schedule, Stacy continues to support the Razorbacks in a variety of ways including remaining active with our women’s golf program. Stacy’s personal story of overcoming adversity to achieve success continues to serve as an inspiration to others. We are extremely proud of Stacy and what she is doing on the LPGA Tour and in our community. She is a tremendous ambassador for the University of Arkansas and for the Razorback program.”

Lewis is a three-time winner on the LPGA Tour including two victories this season and a major championship at the Kraft Nabisco last year. Lewis is currently ranked No. 2 in the world and is the highest ranked American player.

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Stacy at a time when golf took a back seat to her getting healthy after surgery,” said Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor. “It was during this time I really began to understand her commitment to her dream of becoming a professional athlete.  As I worked with her that first year when she was so limited physically, I saw that Stacy was invested in not only her own success but the success and growth of our program.  She had a great student-athlete experience at Arkansas and now her gift will enhance the experience of others who have the dream of being Razorbacks.”

“We are so proud of all that Stacy has accomplished,” said G. David Gearhart, the university’s chancellor. “This generous gift reflects her own pride in her alma mater and her commitment to helping other U of A students pursue their dreams and goals. We are most appreciative of her gift.”

Lewis was a member of the Razorback women’s golf team from 2005-08. She redshirted her first season on campus after having surgery to address her scoliosis. Lewis recovered quickly earning four All-Southeastern Conference and National Golf Coaches Association All-America honors.  Lewis was a two-time SEC Championship medalist and won the 2007 NCAA Individual title shooting a course record 66 in the final round at LPGA International.

While at Arkansas, Lewis helped the Razorbacks to four NCAA Regional selections and three NCAA Championship team appearances. Arkansas won three tournaments and Lewis picked up a school record 13 individual titles during her collegiate career.

Lewis graduated in 2008 with a degree in finance from Arkansas. She won Qualifying School in the fall of 2008 earning her LPGA Tour Card in her first year as a pro.

Lewis returns to Northwest Arkansas this week for her sixth consecutive appearance in the Walmart Northwest Arkansas LPGA Championship at Pinnacle Country Club.

The Razorback Foundation’s Century Circle has more than 50 members who have contributed to fund various programs on campus.

For more information regarding Razorback women’s golf or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.