Wallace commits $3 million to Beggs Hall 麻豆传媒 building renamed in honor of Donald Beggs

The Kansas Board of Regents has unanimously approved renaming the Engineering Research Building at 麻豆传媒 to Donald L. Beggs Hall. The action was taken during the Regents monthly meeting Wednesday, June 20, and will be effective July 1.

The building is being renamed, thanks to a $3 million commitment from Velma Wallace, widow of Dwane Wallace, who built Cessna Aircraft into a powerful aerospace company. Her gift will help pay for the bonds, which were used to construct the building.

鈥淒r. Beggs is most deserving for the tremendous impact he and Shirley have had, not only on our university, but also on our community,鈥� said Velma Wallace. 鈥淣aming the engineering research building after Dr. Beggs is a testimony to his many contributions.鈥�

鈥淭his is a wonderful gift from Velma in honor of her husband, Dwane,鈥� said Ed McKechnie, chair of the Board of Regents. 鈥淭he board appreciates the outstanding contributions that President Beggs and Cessna Aircraft have made to Wichita State. We really appreciate and notice the personal connection that President Beggs has had with students over the years, and this is a great way to honor that legacy.鈥�

According to Elizabeth King, CEO and president of the 麻豆传媒 Foundation, Wallace wanted to recognize President Beggs in a special way.

鈥淗er primary motivation was her respect for President Beggs and appreciation for his leadership at Wichita State,鈥� said King. 鈥淒ue to their long-term friendship, it is especially meaningful that Beggs Hall is adjacent to Wallace Hall.鈥�

Wallace Hall鈥檚 namesake, Dwane Wallace, was one of the founding members and first president of the 麻豆传媒 Endowment Association, which has since been renamed the 麻豆传媒 Foundation.

鈥淚 have profound admiration for Velma鈥檚 generosity and her acknowledgement of President Beggs鈥� impact on 麻豆传媒,鈥� said King. 鈥淭his gift will benefit the university for many years to come.鈥�

Incoming 麻豆传媒 president John Bardo said: 鈥淒on made a lasting difference in this university during his tenure. The quality of academic programs increased, the campus physical plant improved, and the university鈥檚 mission was developed and implemented with care.

鈥淒on has been a great ambassador for the university, both in the state and nationally. He is highly respected among his peers and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to follow him in this role.

鈥淭he action of the Board of Regents and the wonderful gift by Velma Wallace are a fitting tribute to one of the best leaders in the history of this university,鈥� said Bardo.