$3 million gift establishes Robin Shrimplin Memorial Fund to support Washburn History Department

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University is celebrating a combined $3 million gift from Johnathan Hart and Lloyd Shermer to support the History Department in the College of Arts & Sciences. The unrestricted gift provides increased resources and flexibility to support the department while establishing the Robin Shrimplin Memorial Fund, honoring the longtime history department employee and the impact she made on Washburn students.

"This extraordinary gift will elevate the Washburn History Department for generations to come, creating truly exceptional learning experiences and new opportunities for our faculty and staff to know our students and support their educational goals leading them to even greater success," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. "It is a lasting investment in the future of the department and in the personal, student-centered experience that defines Washburn."

The Robin Shrimplin Memorial Fund will carry Shrimplin's legacy forward through continued investment in the department and the students, faculty and staff at its heart.

"Washburn has a heritage of caring for students' needs, and this fund will help to ensure that the Washburn History Department remains a place where students can prepare for success, not just in history but in life," said Hart. "With the Robin Shrimplin Memorial Fund, her legacy will live on by continuing to help and enrich the lives of students."

For the history department, unrestricted philanthropic support provides the flexibility to respond to opportunities and priorities as they arise while strengthening the educational experience.

"This exceptional investment will be transformational for the department," says Dr. Kelly Erby, professor of history and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. "It expands what is possible, providing support for scholarships, experiential learning opportunities like study abroad and hands-on research. Most importantly, it will open doors for students and faculty to discover new interests, ask important questions and pursue ambitious goals."

The gift comes at an exciting time for Washburn as the university continues to experience significant growth and transformation across campus. Construction on Advisors Excel Hall is nearing completion, with the university preparing to welcome students to the facility in January. The university also recently announced a $7.5 million investment from Stormont Vail Health to support integrated healthcare education and celebrated the grand opening of the Washburn Tech North campus.

"As the Forever Washburn campaign progresses, we have seen our alumni and friends step forward and support a wide range of programs and projects. Investments like these are transforming Washburn right before our eyes," said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation.

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