KU Giving Magazine
Winter Family Provides Generous Gift for KU Gateway District Project
The Winter family. Front row, from left: Ella and Clara Klein, Mary Winter, Enzo, Sal and Rafa DeLeone, Rosemary, Emme and Boyd Lewis. Back row, from left: Katie Winter, Matt Klein, Wint Winter, Jr., Molly and Mark DeLeone, Elizabeth, Jack and Paul Lewis.
With two generations of the Winter family having played football for the University of Kansas and providing decades of philanthropic support for KU Athletics, one might assume the family’s recent gift to support the Gateway District was prompted by a love of athletics. But it was something more that moved three generations of Jayhawks to give.
“The primary motivation was support for the academic mission of KU,” said Wint Winter, Jr., who followed his father, Wint Winter, Sr.’s path, playing football for KU, earning his law degree in 1978 and serving in the Kansas Senate. Throughout his career, Wint has been a staunch advocate for higher education, including serving on the Kansas Board of Regents since 2021.
Like his father, who met his wife, Nancy (Morsbach) Winter at KU, Wint, Jr. married fellow Jayhawk Mary (Boyd) Winter. Their three children, Katherine, Molly and Elizabeth are also alumnae and all four of Wint’s siblings attended KU.
“The Winters are a true crimson-and-blue Jayhawk family that has shown unwavering support for Kansas Athletics and the university for decades,” said KU Athletics Director Travis Goff. “This generous gift for the Gateway project demonstrates an understanding of its importance to the future of KU, and we deeply appreciate their commitment.”
When the family discussed a gift for the Gateway District, they all agreed it was an ideal way to support the university. The project is transforming the north entrance to campus and will include a hotel, multiuse space for conferences and improved football facilities — all of which will strengthen KU’s ability to recruit and retain students.
Wint and Mary have a front-row seat to the Gateway District’s progress, living just blocks from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. On game days, their home serves as a nest for the Winter flock, including their nine grandchildren.
“It’s incredibly fortunate for our family to have the opportunity to support not just the football program and KU Athletics,” said Wint, “but more importantly, the university’s academic programs with this one gift.”
