UD Receives $30 Million Gift from Joe and Linda Chlapaty

May 5, 2009 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

Today, University President Jeffrey F. Bullock announced a $30 million gift to the University from Joseph (C'68) and Linda Chlapaty. This gift will be used to strengthen academic programs as well as support construction of new or renovation of existing University facilities.

"Linda and I believe in, and are passionate about, the Mission and Values of the University of Dubuque," commented Joe Chlapaty. "While we have other philanthropic interests such as Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and Lutheran Social Services, we share the University's deep commitment to providing access to higher education for students who may be the first in their families to go to college as I was, for supporting talented students from emerging populations who may not have believed that college was a possibility for them, and for providing a chance for students whose families are recent immigrants and have come to the United States to share in the great promise of our nation."

Specific projects to be funded by the Chlapatys' gift include:

  • an Academic Chair Endowment whose return will support the teaching and research of an academic chair each in mathematics, in the sciences, and in the theological seminary; 
  • up to a $20 million lead gift for a Fine and Performing Arts, Worship, and Campus Center that will strengthen academic programs in Fine and Performing Arts, create a place in which students and faculty can gather as a community of faith which is also a cultural center and the heart of University life; and 
  • funds that will provide support for construction of new or renovation of existing University student housing.

In accepting this gift on behalf of the University, President Bullock stated, "We are humbled by the continuous support and dedication, as well as sheer love and devotion, for this place that define Joe and Linda. Their gift will have such an immensely positive impact on everyone in the University community, particularly at a time when the economy has caused many donors tosignificantly reduce - even curtail - their philanthropy. From the beginning of the University's Transformation in 1999, the Chlapatys have been part of a leadership group that has made remarkable, and in fact, stunning financial gifts - without which UD's progress would have been impossible. As I have often said, we are richly blessed - blessings that are perhaps only outweighed by our gratitude. Joe and Linda are helping us to move forward yet another mile marker on our Transformation journey, Forever Better."

"Often times, gifts of this magnitude support colleges and universities that enroll students who have had many advantages," said Linda Chlapaty. "We look at our gift quite differently. Rather, it is an opportunity for us to create advantages for students who may not have had them - by enabling students to conceive and construct a strong educational foundation upon which they can build lives of meaning, worth, and service."