$6M Gift from McKendree Alumnus Moves Capital Campaign Closer to Goal
(LEBANON, Ill., May 6, 2019) — The largest gift in McKendree University’s history—a
$6 million donation from an alumnus—significantly moves its FORWARD capital campaign closer to completion.
John Bailey, of Dallas, Texas, a 1976 McKendree graduate and longtime member of the
Board of Trustees, has pledged $6 million to be paid over a period of time to FORWARD: The Campaign for McKendree University. Launched in May 2016, the $40 million campaign is raising funds for renovations to
Holman Library and Voigt Science Hall, including improved technology for teaching,
learning, research and collaborative study. It also supports endowed scholarships,
endowed faculty positions and upgrades to older buildings, some of which are more
than 100 years old.
“This extraordinary gift is a great example of how our alumni are successful, engaged
and invested in McKendree University, its mission and objectives,” said Dr. James
Dennis, president.
As the campaign moves closer to its goal, funding opportunities remain for the modernization
of Voigt Science Hall, built in 1965, said Victoria Dowling, senior vice president
of institutional advancement. “We are still actively raising funds for an addition
and much needed improvements to our science building,” she said. “We hope Mr. Bailey’s
generosity will inspire more alumni and others to make gifts as well.”
Bailey, a former Mascoutah, Ill., resident, now lives in Dallas. He earned a degree
in business administration from McKendree in 1976 and went on to become a successful
real estate magnate and philanthropist. He has served on the Board of Trustees since
2004 and, as a longtime member of the William McKendree Society for donors, has supported
the Annual Fund, Bearcat athletic program, and other fundraising campaigns.
“It is my philosophy that you should earn money honestly and that you should use your
wealth to do good works,” Bailey said. “As someone who has been successful, I believe
it’s my responsibility to benefit the people, places and things I care about. In a
time of so much strife and upset in our country and our communities, I hope this serves
as a reminder that everybody has the opportunity, within their means and ability,
to contribute for the good of others.”
The previous largest donation to McKendree was $5.5 million from the late Fern Hettenhausen
of Belleville, Ill. Her lead gift jump-started the effort to construct the Hettenhausen
Center for the Arts, which has become southern Illinois’ premier performing arts venue
since its 2006 opening.
For more information on the FORWARD campaign, call 618-537-6456 or visit mckendree.edu/forward.
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