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Why I Give — Spring 2021
“Why do I give to KU? Simple. KU gave to me as an undergraduate in the form of academic scholarships which helped cover the cost of tuition and fees. I’m committed to giving back. I’m committed to helping students survive and thrive. Because KU shaped the rest of my life.”

David Cicotello, bachelor’s in English 1975, master’s in English 1977, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Gift to establish the David and Louis Cicotello Memorial Fund


“We want to pay forward the blessings we have received. There is no better way than to continue the education of future ophthalmologists right here in Kansas. Our fund will allow for new projects that might otherwise not be possible.”

John E. Sutphin, M.D., Luther L. and Ardis Fry Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology, and Emily M. Sutphin, Leawood, Kan.

Gift to create the John E. and Emily M. Sutphin Opportunity Fund in Ophthalmology


“We believe our role in life is to plant seeds for trees whose shade we may never enjoy. Such is the goal of this award. We hope to support and spur the future leaders who will shape health care delivery within our nation’s communities — particularly the underserved and vulnerable.”

Nicholas Tejeda, master’s in health services administration 2007, and Elena Tejeda, bachelor’s in sociology 2004, El Paso, Texas

Gift to establish the Tejeda Future Healthcare Leader Award


“As a Douthart Hall alumna, I often reminisce about meeting my best friend in the hall’s kitchen — the first of many memories and friendships that lasted long after my time on Mount Oread. My experience is shared by many of today’s scholarship hall residents: They cook, eat and study as a group. Residents form a tight-knit social circle, developing friendships that last a lifetime. This inspired me to create a scholarship fund to support future residents in perpetuity.”

Danielle Christiano, M.D. 2005, bachelor’s in human biology and microbiology 1999, Winter Haven, Fla.

Gift to establish the Christiano Scholarship


“The University of Kansas afforded both of us an outstanding academic foundation and the opportunity to develop relationships that have been integral to our lives in the years since. We are grateful for our affiliation with the university, and we hope our gift will help others have an equally enriching experience.”

Carody Wise, bachelor’s in humanities 1974, MBA 1976, and James Wise, bachelor’s in social work 1970, master’s in audiology 1974, doctorate in audiology 1993, Lake Quivira, Kan.

Gift to create the Wise Family Audiology Leadership Development fund


“I was inspired to pay forward the opportunity I received. It’s my hope this scholarship will in some small way reduce the financial burden on students from rural Kansas who are pursuing a law degree from the KU School of Law.”

Elizabeth Schartz, J.D. 1988, Dallas, Texas

Gift to establish the Elizabeth A. Schartz Law Scholarship


“I really respect the amount of time physicians gave me and how much time and effort goes into that in Wichita. I think it behooves the Wichita alumni to start stepping up and helping that program along.”

Don Seidel, M.D. 1989, bachelor’s in human biology 1985, and Brenda Seidel, bachelor’s in health professions 1986, Tulsa, Okla.

Gift commitment to the KU School of Medicine-Wichita

Current Issue
KU Giving 37 Fall 2023 cover
Issue 37
Fall 2023
In this Fall 2023 issue, we kick off the Ever Onward campaign, discuss the future of Kansas Athletics, honor The University of Kansas Health System’s 25th anniversary and meet inspiring KU students and faculty.
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Kansas Athletics Director Aims for the Stars
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University of Kansas Launches Historic Campaign 
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