Jacksonville University announced Wednesday that it is commissioning a permanent statue of basketball legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore.
Jacksonville University commissions statue of Basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore Man shot by officers after alleged hostage situation involving woman, infant in East Arlington: JSO Read full article: Man shot by officers after alleged hostage situation involving woman, infant in East Arlington: JSODid he cut his hair?
Trevor Lawrence stars in Jaguars 2026 schedule release video– Jacksonville University announced Wednesday that it is commissioning a permanent statue of basketball legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore. The gift will support a range of campaign initiatives and continues a long history of Nimnicht family philanthropy at the university, including namesakes on campus and family-funded scholarships.
Gilmore, known as the “A-Train,” was the driving force behind JU’s run to the 1970 NCAA championship game and helped the Dolphins finish 27-2 that season. His college rebounding average of 22.7 per game remains the highest in NCAA Division I history. After leaving JU, Gilmore played 17 seasons in the ABA and NBA and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Jacksonville University has given me so much — a place to grow, a team to believe in, and a community that never stopped believing in me,” Gilmore said. “Those years as a Dolphin shaped everything that came after. This is where my heart is. To know that a piece of that will live on permanently on this campus is something I never could have imagined, and I am truly humbled by it.
” Gilmore has remained closely connected to the university, serving as special assistant to the president and as an ambassador for the school and the city of Jacksonville.
“In 92 years, Jacksonville University has honored only one person with a permanent statue on this campus, our matriarch Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne, and now we are proud to add a second, the greatest JU student‑athlete ever, Artis Gilmore,” Jacksonville University President Tim Cost said. “He elevated this university onto the national stage as a student‑athlete and has remained a treasured ambassador for our institution for more than five decades.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Lee and Becky Nimnicht, future generations of Dolphins will always know his legacy. ” Lee Nimnicht, a 1990 Jacksonville University graduate, has been a longtime supporter of the school. The Nimnicht name appears across campus, including the Billy Nimnicht Jr. Court inside Swisher Gymnasium and the Nimnicht Fitness Center, and the family has established scholarships that have benefited many students.
Nimnicht’s son, Lee Nimnicht Jr., is currently a JU student and a graduate assistant in the athletics department.
“Jacksonville University has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember, and that connection only deepens with time,” Lee Nimnicht said. “Artis Gilmore is the reason so many people first heard the name Jacksonville University. He helped put Jacksonville on the map, and we are proud to play a role in honoring his legacy in this way. ” The bronze sculpture will be created by Hanlon Sculpture Studio, led by master sculptor Brian Hanlon.
Based in Toms River, New Jersey, Hanlon is the official sculptor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and has completed more than 550 permanent installations worldwide, including tributes to Shaquille O’Neal, Dominique Wilkins and Charles Barkley. Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville.
Safety Dance activated 😂 Mandarin Mustangs out here celebrating that 2-piece special. #Varsity4Attorney for off-duty JSO officer accused in skate park takedown pleased after client clearedMan found fatally shot near Normandy Boulevard on Jacksonville’s WestsidePt. 2: Batteries out. Parts off.
New tools and toys for This Old Golf CartNews4JAX ride-along with JSO DUI Patrol on Cinco de Mayo ends with arrestJacksonville unveils Riverfront Music Garden, reopen Northbank Riverwalk to honor city’s heritageJoshua Phillips withdraws bid for sentence review, cites need for professional counselingShanna Gardner, Henry Tenon return to court for another pre-trial hearingAffordable housing project planned for Springfield as development reshapes neighborhoodSimple Ways You Can Save on Your Electric Bill this Summer with Florida Power & LightNothing beats getting after it in the weight room with your guys 💪
Jacksonville Sports Artis Gilmore
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jacksonville unveils Riverfront Music Garden, reopen Northbank Riverwalk to honor city’s heritageThe City of Jacksonville will unveil the Riverfront Music Garden and formally reopen the Northbank Riverwalk at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at 300 Water Street, city officials said.
Read more »
New Pickett Elementary school breaks ground on Jacksonville’s Northside, funded by sales tax dollarsSales tax dollars approved by Duval County voters are helping shape the future of local education. Crews broke ground Monday on a new Pickett Elementary School on Jacksonville’s Northside, launching a nearly $34.9 million construction project off Old Kings Road near Pritchard Road.
Read more »
Roger Daltrey of The Who announces tour, three NY shows. Get ticketsThe Rock Hall of Famer “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at Town Hall on Sept. 27.
Read more »
The University of Georgia VS Auburn University, Game One.Follow along for live updates for the first game of the University of Georgia vs Auburn University. A must-see, rivalry, top 10 matchup game.
Read more »