It is not the first time the Wichita State University department of anthropology has benefited from the generosity of David Jackman, but now it will be in perpetuity.

Jackman, who died Jan. 27, 2009, bequeathed $4 million to the WSU Foundation for the David and Sally Jackman Endowment for Anthropology.

Elizabeth King

"David was a friend to the university for decades," said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. "He was an early supporter of the Holmes Museum of Anthropology during its renovation and a favorite with our staff because of his vivacious enthusiasm for life."

The endowment will fund such areas including, but not limited to, graduate student support, fellowships and research assistantships, expenses associated with anthropology field schools, experiments and other training activities; computer, laboratory and field equipment technology upgrades and replacements; WSU Biological Anthropology Research Facility updates and replacements, operation and maintenance; undergraduate student scholarships; visiting speakers and faculty search expenses.

Don Beggs

"We are honored to be able to share David's interest in and love of ancient cultures with students, staff and community members," said Don Beggs, WSU president. "His philanthropy will heighten the awareness and enhance the effectiveness of the department of anthropology and the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology."

The Jackman Endowment Advisory Council will be created and meet annually to approve budgets and advise the department and its faculty on the use of the annual revenue generated by the endowment.

"This gift is reflective of a man who supported things he could see, a man who had an interest in understanding their contextual background and how to advance them," said Peer Moore-Jansen, chair of anthropology. "We have a chance to take advantage of new opportunities provided to us by this gift of unprecedented financial support, enabling us to keep turning out great students with an even greater array of potentials and futures."

In addition to anthropology, Jackman supported the Marcus Welcome Center and Music Associates. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and the WSU Foundation President's Club and Society of 1895. He also was a Fairmount Society Life Member.

Jackman was co-owner and secretary of Oil Producers Inc. of Kansas, located in Wichita, and served as chairman of the board until his death.