More from the MAC
Leadership Societies Dinner 2024
photo by Aspen Hill ’24
Leadership-level donors of Drury University were honored at the annual Leadership Societies Dinner on Oct. 23, 2024. This event celebrated donors across three distinguished categories: the Drury Society, recognizing lifetime giving of $100,000 or more; the Founder’s Society, for planned gifts of $25,000 or more; and the President’s Society, honoring annual contributions of $2,500 or more.
Attendees heard heartfelt messages from student speakers. Tori Carter ’26 and Brayden Pierce ’27, who shared how donor generosity has transformed their educational experiences. Dr. Jeff Frederick expressed gratitude on behalf of the Drury community, emphasizing the vital role of donor support in advancing the university’s mission.
The evening began with a reception featuring live music from the Drury Jazz Collective, followed by a formal program hosted by J. Wayne Chipman ’91, Senior Vice President of University Advancement. Board of Trustees Chair Walt George ’79 and President Frederick welcomed attendees and highlighted the profound impact of their philanthropic commitment.
Each Leadership Society represents a unique aspect of Drury’s history and mission. The Drury Society, named for founders Samuel and Angeline Drury, celebrates gifts exceeding $100,000, with those surpassing $1 million honored as Circle of Fellows members. The Founder’s Society recognizes planned gifts that secure Drury’s future, with members commemorated in Stone Chapel. The President’s Society celebrates annual giving that sustains the university’s immediate needs, ensuring that Drury thrives as a premier institution dedicated to student success.
We are grateful for all the donors that support Drury at every levels, but these donors have made an exceptional commitment to propel the university and our mission for student success forward. If you would like more information on how you can participate at this event, please contact the Office of Advancement at (417) 873-7258 or email advancement@drury.edu
Panther Pad Ribbon Cutting
Drury University recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its newest outdoor recreation complex, the Panther Pad. This cutting-edge facility features six pickleball courts, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and a pavilion with grill and beverage areas. As one of the first collegiate pickleball venues in the U.S., it will host intercollegiate competitions and support Drury’s new pickleball program, the university’s 32nd sport, complete with scholarships and a full-time head coach.
The Panther Pad was made possible through the generosity of the O’Reilly family, including Austin O’Reilly, Matt and Ashley O’Reilly ’03/-, W. Justin French and Lindsay O’Reilly French ’94/’02, David and Stacey O’Reilly ’71/-, and Pamela O’Reilly to show their commitment to enhancing student life and athletics.
photo by Tori Harding
photo by Colton Salmons
photo by Hunter White
More from the MAC
Leadership Societies Dinner 2024
Leadership-level donors of Drury University were honored at the annual Leadership Societies Dinner on Oct. 23, 2024. This event celebrated donors across three distinguished categories: the Drury Society, recognizing lifetime giving of $100,000 or more; the Founder’s Society, for planned gifts of $25,000 or more; and the President’s Society, honoring annual contributions of $2,500 or more.
Attendees heard heartfelt messages from student speakers. Tori Carter ’26 and Brayden Pierce ’27, who shared how donor generosity has transformed their educational experiences. Dr. Jeff Frederick expressed gratitude on behalf of the Drury community, emphasizing the vital role of donor support in advancing the university’s mission.
The evening began with a reception featuring live music from the Drury Jazz Collective, followed by a formal program hosted by J. Wayne Chipman ’91, Senior Vice President of University Advancement. Board of Trustees Chair Walt George ’79 and President Frederick welcomed attendees and highlighted the profound impact of their philanthropic commitment.
Each Leadership Society represents a unique aspect of Drury’s history and mission. The Drury Society, named for founders Samuel and Angeline Drury, celebrates gifts exceeding $100,000, with those surpassing $1 million honored as Circle of Fellows members. The Founder’s Society recognizes planned gifts that secure Drury’s future, with members commemorated in Stone Chapel. The President’s Society celebrates annual giving that sustains the university’s immediate needs, ensuring that Drury thrives as a premier institution dedicated to student success.
We are grateful for all the donors that support Drury at every levels, but these donors have made an exceptional commitment to propel the university and our mission for student success forward. If you would like more information on how you can participate at this event, please contact the Office of Advancement at (417) 873-7258 or email advancement@drury.edu
Panther Pad Ribbon Cutting
Drury University recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its newest outdoor recreation complex, the Panther Pad. This cutting-edge facility features six pickleball courts, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and a pavilion with grill and beverage areas. As one of the first collegiate pickleball venues in the U.S., it will host intercollegiate competitions and support Drury’s new pickleball program, the university’s 32nd sport, complete with scholarships and a full-time head coach.
The Panther Pad was made possible through the generosity of the O’Reilly family, including Austin O’Reilly, Matt and Ashley O’Reilly ’03/-, W. Justin French and Lindsay O’Reilly French ’94/’02, David and Stacey O’Reilly ’71/-, and Pamela O’Reilly to show their commitment to enhancing student life and athletics.
photo by Tori Harding
photo by Colton Salmons
photo by Hunter White
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Connection
Leading Legacy
DRURY MAGAZINE FALL 2024
PUBLISHER
Drury University
Dr. Jeff Frederick, President
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Shanda Trautman
MANAGING EDITOR
Janet Rock
WRITER / EDITOR
Rex Ybañez
DESIGNERS
Max Prater, Janet Rock
PANTHER TRACKS EDITOR
Michelle Hethcoat
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jasmine Cooper
Drury Magazine, a publication for alumni and friends of Drury University, is published twice each year. The mission of Drury Magazine is to engage readers in the life of the university, reflect the university’s values and capture the intellectual curiosity and distinct community that is Drury.
The views presented do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the editors or the official policies of Drury University.
Share your thoughts with us: editor@drury.edu
Drury Fusion™ is a registered trademark of Drury University.
