As the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University celebrates its 100th year of transforming lives through business education, an anonymous $1 million gift from a 1958 alumnus stands as a powerful reflection of the generosity and belief that has shaped the school since its founding. The donation honors the school's legacy while expanding opportunity for students with financial need.
As one of the largest individual scholarship gifts in the Barton School’s history, the endowed need-based scholarship serves as defining moment in the centennial celebration. More than an investment, it represents the long-standing commitment of alumni and donors who have supported the Barton School over the last 100 years.
“This extraordinary act of generosity will have a lasting impact on our students and our school,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “A gift of this magnitude, especially during our Centennial, reflects an exceptional belief in our mission and underscores the powerful role alumni and partners play in shaping the future of business education for the next 100 years.”
The scholarship will support students who face financial barriers to completing their education, particularly first-generation college students. Nearly half of Wichita State’s undergraduate students identify as first-generation, and many rely on private loans and receive limited financial support from their families.
Need-based scholarships at Wichita State are awarded based on a student's financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The new fund will ease financial pressure, helping students stay enrolled, focus on academics and pursue high-impact experiences such as internships, leadership roles and mentorship.
“Many of the individuals we work with understand how access to education can shape a person’s life. Their success was made possible by opportunity, and they are deeply committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent our students from realizing the same potential.” said Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement President and CEO Telly McGaha.
As the Barton School marks its Centennial, the gift serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It reflects the spirit of the Barton community and the strength of its alumni network, which continues to shape the school’s trajectory long after graduation. This contribution is more than a resounding statement of belief in the power of education to change lives. As the school looks ahead to its next 100 years, leaders hope it will inspire others to consider how they, too, can make a lasting difference through scholarship support and philanthropic investment.
“We hope this moment inspires others,” Genin said. “It represents an opportunity to create a meaningful legacy—one that supports students today and empowers generations to come.”
To learn more about the Barton School’s Centennial and how to support scholarships, visit https://www.wichita.edu/academics/business/100th-anniversary.php.