Pete Hanna, namesake of Samford University's football and basketball facilities, dies at 88
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Pete Hanna, the namesake of the Samford University's football stadium and basketball arena, died at 88 years old Sunday.
Hanna, former CEO and chairman of Hanna Steel, was a significant philanthropist for the university, going back to his days as a student-athlete, where he played halfback, center and linebacker from 1955-58. Though he graduated from the University of Alabama in 1960, he spent years as a Samford trustee.
'I have been blessed beyond my fondest dreams, and I am pleased that as a steward of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have a part in Samford's future,' Hanna said, according to his university obituary. 'This is a most unusual university, and we want it to continue to be outstanding as an academic university and a Christian university.'
The Pete Hanna Center was named after him during its 2006 groundbreaking. It's home to the basketball and volleyball teams, athletics department, Samford Athletics Hall of Fame and hosts commencement ceremonies.
During the Bulldogs' game against Furman in October 2023, the school's football stadium was renamed for Hanna, who was presented with a golden key to the facility.
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'Pete had a loving heart, which was apparent by the way he operated his company, cared for his employees and generously sought to improve the community,' said Martin Newton, director of athletics at Samford. 'The blessings he extended toward Samford athletics and our entire institution won't be forgotten. Knowing that his impact will stretch for generations, so many of us are grateful for having known and befriended such a wonderful man.'
Hanna served for 14 years in the Alabama Army National Guard and retired as captain. According to his family's obituary, they will receive friends at the Southern Heritage Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. A celebration of Hanna's life will follow.
'With a legacy extending beyond the facilities that bear his name, Pete Hanna provided a lasting impact of compassion, humility and service,' said Samford President Beck Taylor in a statement. 'While embracing his calling to become an industry leader, he stayed true to the principles of Christian stewardship and inspired others to do the same. The Samford family is grateful for having known Mr. Hanna, and we celebrate the life of a friend who embodied the best our university has to offer.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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