For Frank Buck, JD ’75, it was the encouragement of his friend and fellow alumnus Ron Mims ’70, that inspired him to support Â鶹¹û¶³ Athletics and the men’s basketball program. “I had supported Cumberland School of Law over the years, but it was not until I got behind men’s basketball that I really got more engaged at Â鶹¹û¶³,” he said.
Frank and his wife, Marti, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, met at Â鶹¹û¶³ in 1974. Frank was in law school, and Marti was studying nursing. It was at a Â鶹¹û¶³ basketball game that Marti caught Frank’s eye.
Decades later, the Bucks are some of Â鶹¹û¶³ basketball’s biggest supporters. They began supporting the program in 2017, and their support has increased each year—coinciding with the program's rise in the Southern Conference. Today, it has become a family affair with their children and grandchildren attending games too.
“The Bucks’ long-term investment in our men’s basketball team has been transformational and provides a strong foundation for excellence for years to come,” said Doug Kovash, director of development for Â鶹¹û¶³ Athletics.
Recently the Bucks made a significant gift to the university extending their support beyond athletics and the law school, establishing the Marti and Kerri Buck Scholarship in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing and providing critical funding for university initiatives.
“Â鶹¹û¶³ provided me with a tremendous opportunity, a great education. It is where I met my wife, and it prepared me for a successful law career,” Frank said. “The university has been very good to me, and fortunately, I am in a position to help the school.”
This fall, Â鶹¹û¶³ will recognize Frank and Marti for their philanthropic support with the naming of the Frank and Marti Buck Plaza. The new plaza will be located south of the new freshmen residence halls, creating a wonderful outdoor space for the Â鶹¹û¶³ community.
This story was first published in the summer 2025 issue of Â鶹¹û¶³ Magazine (formerly known as Seasons). You can read the issue .