Western Kentucky announced Monday it received its largest-ever gift from a former athlete with $1 million from Joe and Sunshine Micatrotto of Las Vegas.

The Micatrotto gift includes support for capital projects, the WKU football and volleyball programs and the WKU Opportunity Fund.

Joe Micatrotto originally started his college career at Kent State but transferred to WKU after his freshman year and played football at WKU from 1993-97.

Joe Micatrotto has a bachelor of science degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism from WKU. He is president and CEO of MRG Marketing & Management, Inc., and said the idea of making a significant gift to the school had always been a dream for him and Sunshine.

“Joe and Sunny Micatrotto are impacting WKU Athletics in a multitude of ways,” athletic director Todd Stewart said in a news release. “This remarkable commitment, the largest from a former student-athlete in our history, will help to usher in a new era of philanthropy and support.”

“The state is cutting support, and we saw it as a great time to be able to touch academics and sports,” Joe Micatrotto said.

Of the three areas outlined in the gift, one is capital support for scoreboard and technology enhancements for E.A. Diddle Arena, Houchens-Smith Stadium and the WKU Softball and Soccer Complexes. Ultimately, the facilities for six athletic teams will see improvements.

Both the WKU football and volleyball programs will also receive support through their respective team excellence funds, which provide unrestricted funding for each team and program.

The couple has also established the Micatrotto Family Opportunity Fund for Athletics, part of the WKU Opportunity Fund campaign to raise $50 million to benefit WKU students.

The Micatrotto Family Opportunity Fund for Athletics will benefit athletes, with first preference given to WKU football players. This gift marks the first gift to the WKU Opportunity Fund to support WKU athletics.

“Supporting my alma mater makes me proud and excited, but more than anything it has allowed me to help something I’m so passionate about,” Micatrotto said. “We are blessed to be able to do something like this. Being a part of the WKU family is a real thing to our family.”

Joe and Sunshine Micatrotto are lifetime members of the WKU Alumni Association, and he currently serves on the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.