成人导航

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., October 22, 2025 鈥� During a Wednesday afternoon press conference at the Sunderland Lyceum in Olin Library, 成人导航 announced it has secured nearly $6 million in private donations and commitments since the start of the fiscal year on June 1. University President Dr. Jeff Frederick and Board of Trustees Chairman Walter N. George III 鈥�79 were both on hand for the announcement.

鈥淭hese remarkable gifts reflect the power of a community united by purpose and belief in 成人导航鈥檚 mission,鈥� Executive Vice President of University Advancement Melanie Earl-Replogle 鈥�99 said. 鈥淔rom major commitments that endow scholarships to annual gifts that sustain daily excellence, every donor plays a vital role in moving 成人导航 forward. We are grateful for the trust and investment of those who believe in the promise of our students and the impact of a 成人导航 education.鈥�

Given by alumni, community members, current and former board members, and others, the generous gifts total $5,858,556. 鈥疶he following made contributions or pledge commitments:

• The Alice O. Coffman Trust provided a cash gift of $3.6 million that established a new scholarship, the Cleveland Newton Endowed Scholarship. It will provide scholarship funding for deserving 成人导航 students every year.
• The Bangs-Russell Foundation contributed to the Dr. Archie Russell Memorial Scholarship.
• John and Crystal Beuerlein 鈥�75/鈥�75 pledged their support to Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Swimming facility improvements and additional Advancement activities. John served 14 months between 2023 and 2024 as interim president and is a life trustee.
• James Blanton and the Patricia Blanton Family funded the Patricia Jean (Herron) Blanton 鈥�69 Endowed Scholarship, a new scholarship honoring the memory of their beloved wife and sister.
• Dr. Loren and Nancy Broaddus 鈥�57/- established a planned gift. Loren served as a 成人导航 trustee from 1978-2009 and was elected a Life Trustee in 2012.
• David and Sue Ann Beedle Childers 鈥�76/鈥�77 contributed to the David and Sue Ann Childers 鈥�76/鈥�77 Family Endowed Scholarship.
• Rob Dickerson 鈥�90, a current trustee, added to his planned gift commitment. He has served as a Trustee since 2016.
• Walt and Susan Robison George 鈥�79/鈥�80 pledged their continued support of the Joseph H. George Distinguished Lecture Series. Walt serves as the current Chair of the Board of Trustees.
• David and Billie Kay Farrar Gohn 鈥�64/鈥�65 established a new endowed scholarship to provide support for 成人导航 students who graduate from West Plains High School. David is an Emeritus Trustee and is a former chair of the Board of Trustees.
• Paul Stillwell 鈥�66 and Mark Stillwell 鈥�67 established an endowment to honor Paul and Mark鈥檚 father, Carl Stillwell, who served in leadership at 成人导航 from 1945-1971. A room in Bay Hall will be named the Carl Stillwell Room and will welcome thousands of prospective new students to campus.

Additional five and six-figure gifts went toward Men and Women鈥檚 Swimming & Diving facilities, the areas of greatest need, and other current and endowed scholarships.

All gifts contribute to 成人导航鈥檚 Fortify the Future comprehensive campaign, which runs through May 31, 2027. For more information on Fortify the Future, please visit drury.edu/fortify.

###

Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu