Washburn receives largest single gift in University history
Released: September 10, 2009
TOPEKA – Washburn University officials announced today the largest single gift ever made to Washburn. Richard K. and Trish Davidson, of Bonita Springs, Fla., made a gift providing nearly $5 million to significantly increase support for faculty professorships and chairs in the School of Business. The gift, the largest in Washburn’s history, will qualify for matching funds through the Kansas Partnership for Faculty of Distinction program.
Dick Davidson graduated from Washburn University in 1966 and received an honorary doctorate from the school in 1994. While at Washburn he received basketball and other scholarships and worked to put himself through school. He stepped down as CEO of Union Pacific in January 2006 and as chairman in January 2007. Trish Davidson is also retired from Union Pacific where she worked for 20 years.
“We are very grateful to Trish and Dick Davidson for this generous gift. It is an extraordinary expression of their support and dedication to the university and its students,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “Alumni support is critical to the success of Washburn and this transformational gift will offer tremendous educational opportunities and will help to attract the best faculty to Washburn.”
Dick Davidson began a railroad career in 1960 as a brakeman/conductor with Missouri Pacific. He joined Union Pacific in 1982 when it merged with Missouri Pacific and Western Pacific railroads. He held various department positions at Union Pacific until his appointment to chairman and chief executive of the railroad in 1991. He was named chairman and CEO of the corporation in 1997.
“Today marks another step forward in the development of the Washburn School of Business,” commented Dean David Sollars. “Over the years our high quality, AACSB accredited programs have received recognition in the region, and today’s gift will bring national attention. The Davidsons’ generous commitment to faculty will ensure the ongoing quality of our programs and allow us to attract the best students for years to come.”
Dick Davidson was a trustee of the Washburn Endowment Association from 1996 to 2004 and served on the finance, development and executive committees. He has been a WEA trustee emeriti since 2004.
Trish Davidson is a native of Freeport, Ill., and a 1972 graduate of the University of Iowa. After a 20-year career with Union Pacific, she retired in 1996 as assistant vice president of community relations and corporate giving. She served on the boards of the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the University of Nebraska at Omaha Women’s Athletic Steering Council and the Nebraska Humanities Foundation.
“My experience and education at Washburn provided the solid foundation for success in my career,” said Dick Davidson. He also admits scholarships made it possible for him to consider attending Washburn. “We believe education is the foundation for continuing free enterprise and economic strength in our increasingly complex and global society. This gift is our investment in the continued excellence of the Washburn School of Business and will reap returns for the generations of students who follow us.”
Some of the projects at Washburn previously supported by the Davidsons include the Thelma Ann Davidson Memorial Scholarship, the Dr. Jerry and Susan Farley Professorship in Leadership, the Hugh L. and Patricia A. Thompson Scholarship and the Living Learning Center.
The Kansas Partnership for Faculty of Distinction Program increases the impact of the Davidson gift with an additional matching grant from the State. This program was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2000 to encourage private support to enhance the ability of state educational institutions to attract and retain faculty of distinction. The program provides supplemental funding to the income earnings of qualifying gifts.
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