Meet Our Donors

Student Success is extremely grateful for our many donors who support our mission and enhance the lives of our students. A few of our donors are recognized here.

Christina Hixson

Christina Hixson, trust of the Ernst F. Lied Foundation, gave $5 million to endow the Christina M. Hixson Opportunity Award, which provides $5,000 renewable annual scholarship to students whose circumstances might prevent them from pursuing college.

“I’m interested in giving students a chance. This scholarship will support a lot of first generation college students, and students who didn’t think they could afford KU.”

Carl Krehbiel

A 1970 graduate and once resident of Stephenson Scholarship Hall, gave a $400,000 gift to endow a permanent maintenance fund for the Floyd  H. and Kathryn Krehbiel Scholarhip Hall.

This gift made it possible for the creation of the Krehbiel Scholarship Hall, named for his parents. Mr. Krehbiel’s generosity provides support for our on-campus students.

Bob McKenney and Jennifer Bacani

Bob McKenney, Chemistry 2002, and Jennifer Bacani, Chemistry 2002, Fredonia, KS.

"It's hard for us to believe it has been nearly 10 years since we attended the LeaderShape Institute, but it was an experience that we will never forget. LeaderShape helped develop our character, taught us the importance of integrity, fostered life-long friendships, and helped us gain a better understanding of ourselves.

LeaderShape develops outstanding young men and women with the skills and confidence to face an ever-changing world, and it is very exciting to know that we have an opportunity to play a role in the development of tomorrow’s leaders."

Tom and Jann Rudkin

Tom Rudkin, Mathematics 1973, and Jann Rudkin, Chemistry and Anthropology 1973, Los Gatos, California.

“We have always loved old houses and want to do whatever we can to preserve them and keep them in use. And of course we love KU and the scholarship halls and strongly support KU’s determination to be an international university. The Strait and Pinet house rehabilitation projects were a natural fit for us.”

The Rudkins gave $300,000 to renovate and refurbish the former home of Juanita and Reginald Strait into a gathering place for scholarship hall residents. They also gave $250,000 to renovate the former home of Frank Pinet, one block off campus, into a residence for visiting international scholars.

David Watson

A 1984 Business graduate gave $250 online to the Ann Eversole Rock Chalk Revue Fund.

"My association with Rock Chalk and Ann Eversole started in 1981, and by my senior year, I was executive director. My donation expresses appreciation for the help and support of both Ann and our adviser, Pat Kehde. I was involved in identifying United Way to receive Rock Chalk proceeds. This shifted the campus community to the broader community. The hundreds of students who participate make an amazing contribution. KU and Lawrence community should be proud. "(Courtesy of KU Endowment Association, "Why I Gave," KU Giving, Spring 2009.)