Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

Leaving a Legacy for McKendree
Leaving a Legacy for McKendree
Cyril Curtis '43, Ph.D., of Albion, Illinois, is a man of many talents. A mathematician and physicist by formal training, Cyril is an admired citizen in his community and he is a respected member of the Albion First United Methodist Church.
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The Impact of Giving
The Impact of Giving
Dr. L. Dale Cruse '55 and Peggy Jackson Cruse '61 were very good students academically and shared a passion for athletics, which was the driving force behind their collegiate careers at McKendree University.
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Fixed Income for Retirement
Fixed Income for Retirement
Mary Sue Schusky is a devoted friend of McKendree and her personal connection to the University spans almost four decades. Her professional career as a teacher and librarian provided her the opportunity to...
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Three Gifts to Give Back to McKendree
Three Gifts to Give Back to McKendree
It is commonly said that one can choose to invest in an organization in one of three ways: with their Time, by using their Talents or by giving of their Treasure. Susan Harbaugh '04 didn't choose one, she made the commitment to support her alma mater in all three ways.
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The Ultimate Gift
The Ultimate Gift
Estelle Greenwood, a retired educator, is the widow of Bart Greenwood '41. She became involved with McKendree when she and Bart organized alumni reunions from 1984 to 1993, in cities near their home in Florida.
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Impacting the Future Today
Impacting the Future Today
Growing up in Gloversville, New York Jim Gisondi '74 did not know of McKendree College. He attended Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Fulton County New York after high school...
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Providing for McKendree’s Future
Providing for McKendree’s Future
Growing up in northern Minnesota, just 90 miles from the Canadian border, Lucille "Lucy" Sudol never imagined being able to visit, let alone reside in, some of the countries she has called home.
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When an idea goes as planned
When an idea goes as planned
During their life, Thelma and Clarence Tschudy made a plan to combine their love of education and their community with an estate gift. They continue to make an impact today.
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A Devoted McKendree Couple
A Devoted McKendree Couple
Charles Murray is not an alumnus of McKendree, but he has great affinity and dedication to the University for which he has been connected for more than 60 years. It was through McKendree that he met the love of his life...
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Carl Draper – a Devoted McKendrean
Carl Draper – a Devoted McKendrean
During his lifetime, Carl Draper was dedicated to McKendree in many different ways. Following his passing, the University learned his commitment to his alma mater through his estate plans...
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A Legacy for Education
A Legacy for Education
It was in Professor Nell Oppitiz's sociology class that Bill Dike '54 met Mary Hurt '54 on the campus of McKendree College. Bill was a commuter student and Mary lived in Clark Hall.
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A Gift that Benefits Many
A Gift that Benefits Many
Earlene Voigt is a native of the Metro East, but it took her nearly a lifetime to become acquainted with McKendree University. Just five years ago, a good friend of Earlene's asked if she would accompany her...
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