PISCATAWAY -- Crediting key financial supporters who went all-in to support the university's ambitious facilities plan for athletics, Rutgers Athletics Director Pat Hobbs provided an update on the fundraising progress with select media outlets Tuesday morning.

In January, Hobbs announced a $100 million fundraising initiative called "R Big Ten Build,'' saying in a video released on the school's website, "Together, we can transform Rutgers athletics. Together, we will transform Rutgers athletics.''

According to Hobbs, the initiative has surpassed the $50 million milestone thanks to 10 donations of $1 million or more, in addition to the three largest gifts in Rutgers Athletics history.

Thanks to an $11 million combined gift jointly made by three families -- including university Board of Governors chair Greg Brown -- Hobbs said Rutgers has made "extraordinary progress'' in fundraising in recent months.

The record-setting major gifts were provided by Greg Brown and his wife Anna, university Board of Overseers member/real e Steve Plofker and his wife, makeup mogul Bobbi Brown, and business leaders Jeff Towers and his wife Amy Towers.

"The generous support will help meet critical needs for our student-athletes to successfully compete in the nation's premier academic and athletic conference,'' Hobbs said. "We are grateful to all those who have contributed, especially Greg and Anna Brown, Steven Plofker and Bobbi Brown and Jeff and Amy Towers for their unwavering belief in our mission. Having supporters who not only understand what it takes to compete on an elite level, but provide the resources to help lead us there, is integral to our success. They also hope that their support will inspire others to reach at this crucial time.''

Coupled with the $25 million tax credits passed by the New Jersey legislature and signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie in January, Hobbs said Rutgers is in the architectural phase of phase one of The Big Ten Build, which includes: a multi-sport training complex adjacent to the Rutgers Athletics Center to accommodate the men's and women's basketball teams as well as the wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball programs; a new complex adjacent to Yurcak Field to accommodate the lacrosse, soccer and women's tennis programs; and an enhanced Hale Center that will become a football-only facility.

"We have come a long way in 'R B1G Build,' but there's much work ahead. It's incredibly energizing to witness the Rutgers community together in support of its student-athletes. I look forward to our continued success as we accomplish our goals together.''

A 1982 Rutgers graduate, Greg Brown is one of the university's major donors. In addition to supporting the university's psychology and cell biology and neuroscience programs, Brown reportedly contributed more than $2 million toward the $4.85 million recruiting pavilion and welcome center that bears his name at High Point Solutions Stadium.

"Rutgers is a leading national university and we want to compete for championships in all that we do,'' Greg Brown said in a statement. "It is essential that we capitalize on the opportunity that Big Ten Conference membership provides us. Improved facilities are a priority. There is an increased excitement for Rutgers, both regionally and nationally. With continued engagement and commitment, we will ensure a very productive future for our athletics program and its student-athletes.''

Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KSargeantNJ. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.