UD Announces $31.725 Million Dollar Commitment Achieved by Joe and Linda Chlapaty
Oct 1, 2010 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
In May 2009, the University announced a $30 million commitment by Joe (`68) and Linda Chlapaty to be used to strengthen academic programs as well as support construction of new University facilities.
Today University President Jeffrey F. Bullock announces the fulfillment of that commitment in an even larger gift of $31.725 million able to be increased despite the effects of a depressed economy. Specific projects to be funded by the Chlapatys' gift include:
- Performing Arts and Campus Center - an original lead gift commitment of $20 million for the Performing Arts and Campus Center (PAC) increased to $24 million;
- Mercer-Birmingham Hall - which will house offices and classroom space as well as provide a permanent "home" for the University's U.S. Army's ROTC program; and
- Academic Chair Endowment - continued support of teaching and research in mathematics, sciences, the theological seminary, and one yet-to-be determined area.
"Linda and I are pleased and humbled to be able to fulfill our original commitment to the University that means so much to both of us," said Joe Chlapaty. "It is very gratifying that we were even able to increase the amount that we are privileged to make available. We hope that increasing our commitment to the Performing Arts and Campus Center will encourage others to support this important project that we believe will change the University in ways yet to be imagined as UD moves into an even more promising future."
Pending University Board of Trustees final approval, site work on the Performing Arts and Campus Center will begin in May 2011 with completion in late fall 2012. Mercer-Birmingham Hall construction is well underway and is scheduled to be completed for University use in fall 2011 with dedication planned for Homecoming 2011.
In responding to the Chlapatys' gift, President Bullock commented, "As I have said on many occasions, Joe and Linda are immensely important people to this place. They have been part of a University leadership group that has made financial gifts of such magnitude and such importance that without them the University would never have come so great a distance in so short a time. Joe and Linda a true Servant Leaders, and we are blessed beyond words to have them as part of this University's family."
