Elmhurst University has announced a significant philanthropic gift that will establish the University’s first endowed faculty chair in science, technology, analytics and mathematics.
The anonymous donors, a married couple with ties to the University, have established a $1.5 million estate commitment to create the endowed chair, which they hope will “help attract and retain brilliant scholars” in the sciences and mathematics.
The donors want their gift to highlight the importance of faculty research, which at Elmhurst usually includes students, as well as the role of excellent teaching in shaping students’ academic experience and long-term career goals.
“We are so pleased to recognize these exceptional donors and their transformative gift,” said Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken. “Their commitment will leave a lasting impact by empowering Elmhurst faculty to innovate and discover through scholarship, and by inspiring our students to become the next generation of leaders in the critical STEM fields.”
One of the donors is an alumnus who graduated from Elmhurst with a degree in economics, and both donors have had long and distinguished STEM-related careers, joining their fields—biotechnology and health care analytics—in their nascency.
As students, both donors were influenced by great teachers, and hope their gift will help ensure that future generations of students are similarly inspired.
“We’d like for whoever is appointed to the endowed chair to be someone with vision and curiosity, who can think beyond what they’re already doing and bring new knowledge and thinking to their work, and share that enthusiasm and passion with their students,” one of the donors said.
“Working with these incredible donors has been a genuine honor,” said Susan Clausen, senior director of advancement at Elmhurst. “Their passion for STEM and profound dedication to advancing the field have been truly inspiring.”
Once funded, the endowed chair would be awarded to a faculty member in the University’s School of Science, Technology and Mathematics.
“The gift reflects the success of our alumni, as well as the donors’ confidence in this school, its staying power and the work we’re doing,” said Brian Wilhite, dean of the School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. “We greatly appreciate their support and commitment to our faculty and students.”
“Elmhurst University is deeply grateful to these donors for their generous investment in our academic mission,” said Lia Kampman, vice president for institutional advancement. “Endowed chairs play a vital role in attracting and retaining exceptional faculty, providing dedicated resources for innovative research and teaching, and enriching the student experience for generations to come.”