Jeremy Lin donates $1 million to Harvard

Jeremy Lin is in Boston Wednesday for the Nets opener vs. the Celtics. It’s a bit of a second home for him, having played college ball at Harvard. And he made some news, non-Nets news, while there.

Lin announced a $1 million gift to Harvard in support of undergraduate financial aid and renovations to the College’s basketball arena.

“Without question, my time at Harvard prepared me well for success both on and off the court,” said Lin. “I’m honored to put that same world-class education in reach for deserving students and to support improvements to the facilities where I spent countless hours practicing and competing.”

Lin played four years for the Crimson (2006–10), served as team captain his senior year, and was a three-time All-Ivy League selection. He was also the first player in Ivy League history to record 1,450 points (1,483), 450 rebounds (487), 400 assists (406), and 200 steals (225). He’s currently the only Ivy League player in the NBA.

William R. Fitzsimmons, Harvard College dean of admissions and financial aid, said, “I find it inspiring to see the commitment to financial aid and Athletics that Harvard College and Jeremy share. His generosity will strengthen the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), through which more than half of our undergraduates receive need-based grant aid.”

Almost a decade ago, another Nets player, Richard Jefferson, donated $3.5 million to his alma mater, the University of Arizona.

• Nets’ Jeremy Lin donates $1 million to Harvard - AP