When it comes to the 'Canes, UM Trustee Paul DiMare and his family are whirlwinds of philanthropic activity and involvement.

Few individuals have invested as much time, effort, and financial generosity in the University of Miami athletic department as Paul DiMare. His leadership and dedication to the program and the well-being of its student-athletes is central to the past, current, and future successes of the ‘Canes.

So when the University breaks ground on the Theodore G. Schwartz and Todd G. Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence later this year, it’s only fitting that DiMare will play a crucial role in the construction of the new facility through his gift to the Gallery of Champions, a sports museum dedicated to Hurricane Football.

This visually spectacular showcase, to be located on the first floor of the new athletic center, will house national championship and Heisman trophies, a ring of honor, championship rings, and many other items that reflect the numerous accomplishments of the program and its student-athletes. It will be a defining feature of the center, respecting and honoring the University's student-athletes while enhancing recruitment efforts and serving as a magnetic attraction for all Hurricane fans.

DiMare's contribution, one of the largest for the new athletic center, couldn’t have come at a better time. “It's always great for alumni to come in and see the University's many athletic achievements,” he said. “The student-athletes need a better place to call home. UM must also upgrade its facilities to remain competitive with other universities. I knew they needed to raise the money, and I thought it would be a good idea right now to help them do that."

DiMare has consistently answered the call for the University of Miami. In spring 2010, the DiMare Family Champions Plaza was unveiled at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. DiMare, whose son Gino served as an assistant baseball coach for the ‘Canes for 12 seasons under Jim Morris, played an important role in the construction of Alex Rodriguez Park, both financially and in a leadership capacity.

Paul is a trustee of the University of Miami and chairs the Board of Trustees' Athletic Advisory Committee. The president of seven family corporations, he is involved in numerous civic and charitable efforts along with his wife, Swanee, whose community involvement includes the Dade County Youth Fair, the March of Dimes, and the Special Olympics.

The DiMares are also major donors to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the Miami Museum of Science, the Archdiocese of Miami, and Miami’s Children’s Hospital. Members of the University of Miami's Gables Giving Society, Paul and Swanee DiMare are serving as volunteer campaign vice-chairs for Momentum2.