Endowed Funds and Opportunities

Endowed funds play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability and success of Hastings College.

Gifts made to endowed funds maintain their principal balance, which is held in perpetuity, with only a portion of the interest earned being expended annually. Honor the legacy of a loved one, a favorite professor, or your own through the naming of the endowed fund.

Looking for information on Endowed Scholarships? Click Here.

Endowed Chairs and Professorships

Endowed funds enable Hastings College to recruit, retain, and recognize distinguished classroom teachers—the kinds of professors who inspire generations of undergraduates. Only nine of the College’s more than 80 full-time faculty positions are supported, in part, through named endowments. Opportunities exist for you to recognize master teachers in any academic area.

An endowed professorship is established with a contribution of $500,000, or an endowed chair with a contribution of $1.25 million.

Current Endowed Chairs and Professorships include:

Dr. Byron Jensen Distinguished Professorship in Music — Dr. Jonathan Sokasits
Morton and Ella Steinhart Distinguished Professorship in Art — Dr. Brian Corr
Lawrence and Jeannette James Distinguished Professorship in Communication Arts, Business and Economics — Dr. Jessica Henry
Edgar and Frances Reynolds Distinguished Lectureship in Communications Arts, Business and Economics — Dr. Dave Carpenter
Dorothy Weyer Creigh Distinguished Professorship in History — Dr. Robert Babcock
Waldean C. McIntire Distinguished Professorship in Biological Sciences — Dr. Amanda Solem
Elvena and Hattie Holling Distinguished Professorship in Math and Science — Dr. Bobbi Buchholz
Richard B. and Dorothy K. Tickler Distinguished Professorship in Science – Dr. Moses Dogbevia
Dr. Neil and Enola McDonald Distinguished Professorship in Political Science — Dr. Robert Amyot

Other Areas

Nearly any academic program, co-curricular activity, campus facility, or equipment need can be supported through an endowed gift. Your gift to endowment could support:

Student/Faculty Research and Training
Equipment and Materials for Classrooms
Library Acquisitions
Faculty Development and Travel
Teaching and Science Technologies
Athletic Weight Room
Guest Speakers and Artists
Group Travel (athletic and non-athletic)
Irish Fellows
Service-Learning and Supplies
Academic or Extra Curricular Equipment

An endowed fund operational balance threshold varies by what the fund is supporting. Contact Claire Bostelman at 402.461.7786 or claire.bostelman@hastings.edu to discuss your ideas and passions.

FAQs

Are there naming opportunities on campus?

Yes! We are working on compiling all the existing opportunities. In the meantime, reach out to Claire Bostelman at 402.461.7786 or claire.bostelman@hastings.edu to discuss any ideas you may have.

How are draws calculated?

Draws are calculated based upon the average fund balance over the prior three years. If the fund is less than three years, it will be the average of the years since it was created, until it is three years old (year one would be the balance with no average, year two would average the prior two years, year three would average the prior three years). Usually, the draw is around 5%, with each fund rounded to the whole dollar.

When is the best time to add new contributions to my fund?

Although additional gifts may be given to your fund at any time, June 30 of each year is the cutoff to impact the average draw for two years. Because our draws are based on averages, the funds won't be allocated for another year and a half while they accrue interest. For example, gifts made before June 30, 2024 won't be dispersed until the fall of FY25-26.

How are my funds invested?

Our current investment strategy and policy is conservative to protect us through these volatile times. In 2023-2024 we have 11% in the Money Market, 53% in stocks, and 36% in bonds. Our investment committee is focused on investment strategies for long term success. If you are interested in further details regarding the investment strategy, we welcome your call.

Can I leave my estate to my endowed fund?

Yes! Please be sure to speak with a Foundation staff member to ensure we know how to best fulfill your legacy. If you already have included the College in your estate, we will regularly send materials to confirm our records and notes are accurate.