Leemon Estate Leaves $2.73M Gift to McKendree University

Will Establish Endowed Scholarship, Fund Science Building Renovation

Lebanon, Ill. - A $2.73 million legacy gift from the estate of Patricia and Charles “Chuck” Leemon has been made to McKendree University. The gift establishes a $500,000 endowed scholarship in Mr. Leemon’s name for students pursuing a degree in business. More than $2.2 million will help fund renovations to the Voigt Science Building.

Mr. Leemon, who passed away in 2007, was a businessman in the hotel and hospitality industry and a member of the McKendree Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1991. Mrs. Leemon passed away on April 29, 2014. The couple received honorary degrees in 1999. During their lifetime, the former Marissa, Ill., residents contributed nearly $1 million of direct gifts to McKendree for its Heritage, Heart & Hope Campaign; the New Dimensions Campaign; the Patricia Leemon Endowed Scholarship for Marissa High School graduates who attend McKendree; improvements to and naming of Leemon Field on campus; and annual support to the university.

The athletic field was named in honor of their daughter, Jackie Leemon, a 1985 McKendree graduate and current member of the university board of trustees who resides in Florida.

 

-McK-