SPRINGFIELD, Mo., February 26, 2026 – As Drury University launches its annual Match Madness fundraising drive, the O’Reilly and Wooten families have once again generously stepped forward. Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten ’64, Stacey and David O’Reilly ’71, Anya and Larry O’Reilly ’68, and Lauren O’Reilly ’92 will provide up to $1.8 million total in matching funds to support student success. The O’Reilly-Wooten Challenge runs until May 31, 2026, and all donations designated to the Student Success Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
New this year, there is a limited opportunity to leverage matching funds for select endowment gifts and commitments.
“The O’Reilly and Wooten families are honored to provide this match as a reflection of our deep gratitude for Drury and our confidence in its future,” said Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten. “Drury has shaped our family across generations, and we are proud to help create opportunities for today’s students to thrive. We hope this challenge encourages alumni and friends to join us in investing in the people and programs that make a Drury education distinctive.”
Donors will have the opportunity to designate their gifts to one of several targeted areas within the Student Success Fund and select endowments.
“The 2026 O’Reilly-Wooten Challenge is a powerful reflection of the O’Reilly and Wooten families’ extraordinary and enduring commitment to Drury,” said President Jeff Frederick. “Through their leadership and generosity, the O’Reilly-Wooten Challenges have resulted in record years of support for student success. This year’s challenge not only advances the Student Success Fund and our endowment but also serves as an invitation — and an inspiration — for alumni and friends to join them in investing in our students’ futures. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the example they continue to set for our community.”
Those interested in donating to the Student Success Fund can visit www.drury.edu/match. For questions about a gift or an endowment match, contact Melanie Earl-Replogle, Executive Vice President of Advancement, at mearl@drury.edu or (417) 873-7444.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu