William I Jacobs made the Jacobs Fitness Center, a state of the art facility that opened in 1998, possible by a generous donation. An AU student-athlete on the swim team as an undergraduate, Jacobs, class of '63, went on to earn a degree from the Washington College of Law in 1966. Bill Jacobs thought so much of his experience in intercollegiate athletics that he wanted to upgrade their fitness facilities so that all AU students would be afforded a first rate opportunity to improve the health and fitness. He has served on the University Board of Trustees, and is a past President of that board. He has received the President's Award for alumnus contributions with a citation reading "Your support of the athletic program has made a crucial difference to the success of our Eagle teams. Your long-standing service, financial support and leadership have inspired us to set even higher standards for the future."

More recently, Jacobs povided the naming gift for a new "turf surface" complex, providing optimal field space for intercollegate field hockey and lacrosse as well as Intramurals and club sports.

Jacobs has maintained a passion for exercise and currently stays fit by skiing, running, golfing and playing tennis. Each day over a thousand students, faculty, staff and alumni take advantage of his generous gift for which the University will be forever grateful.