Washburn University receives $1 million gift from Sunderland Foundation

     Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University is excited to announce a $1 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation for the renovation of the Henderson Learning Resources Center.

    “The Sunderland Foundation’s dedication to creating spaces for students to receive an exceptional education will have a lasting impact not only on Washburn but on this entire region,” said JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn. “We thank them for the opportunities they will provide undergraduate students to learn in this re-imagined and innovative space.”

    A nexus of academic life at Washburn, Henderson is the largest academic building holding 25 percent of available classrooms on campus. Henderson opened its doors in 1971 and prominently featured rooms with stadium seating to accommodate large lectures. It is currently the sole home to the Washburn University School of Business, houses nearly all the College of Arts and Sciences’ social science departments, handles a large portion of the School of Nursing undergraduate classes and is home to the university’s media labs and Honors Program. Renovating Henderson will directly and significantly impact the academic success of every Ichabod, allowing them to truly get the most out of their time on campus.

    This is the Sunderland Foundation’s third $1 million gift to Washburn since 2018, with their first one benefiting the Washburn University Indoor Athletics Facility and the second going toward Dole Hall, which houses the School of Law.  

    “The Sunderland Foundation knows the importance of investing in educational spaces as the environment surrounding a student greatly affects learning,” said Randy Vance, president and chief operating officer, Sunderland Foundation. “We are once again pleased to partner with Washburn University on the Henderson renovation that will impact so many undergraduate, first-generation Washburn students.”

    Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, thanked the Sunderland Foundation for being a longtime partner with the University and providing funding for spaces across campus over the last decade.

    “The Sunderland Foundation’s gift continues the generous commitment they have made to creating contemporary spaces for education,” Meek said. “The gift adds to the exceptional momentum behind the Henderson building campaign, and we look forward to making this new space a reality for Washburn students and faculty.”

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