Beatty family adds substantial gift for Gateway District to legacy of KU support

July 25, 2024

The Salina and Wichita, Kansas, Jayhawk family was motivated by the vision, leadership, design and impact of the innovative Gateway District and more than a century of passion for KU and KU Athletics.

The Beatty family has been linked with the University of Kansas and KU Athletics for seven generations and 130 years — almost as long as KU has had a football program. Obtaining a KU education and cheering on KU Athletics teams are family traditions — as are a passion for serving others and giving back.

Recently, the family followed decades of generosity to KU with a substantial gift for the Gateway District, prompted by a deep love of KU and the possibility of transforming not just KU Athletics, but the entire university. The project includes a new campus gateway, leading-edge facilities for athletes and fans, conference areas and more — all of which will greatly enhance KU’s ability to recruit and retain students.

The family credits father and grandfather, Mike Beatty, who graduated with a business degree in 1960 and wife Mary Nell, who also attended KU, for fostering the family’s philanthropy and love of KU sports. They ensured their three children — all KU alumni — experienced the enduring excitement of KU sports while growing up.

Mike and Mary Nell’s youngest son, Pat, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1992, has fond childhood memories of piling into the family station wagon to attend KU Football games with siblings Philip Beatty and Sarah (Beatty) DeVries.

“Mom and Dad had season tickets but us kids would sit in the bleachers that were a dollar or two each,” recalled Pat. “They would meet some of their college friends and socialize, and we would be able to hang out on the hill and have a great time — win or lose.”

They added a passion for KU Men’s Basketball when Sarah was in college, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1985. Her father’s work brought him to Lawrence more often, and the family was able to attend games together.

“I’ll never forget my first time in Allen Fieldhouse,” said Pat. “I’m hoping that with what we’re doing at the football stadium, we’re going to have a similar atmosphere.”

The Beatty and DeVries families have created a profound legacy at the University of Kansas, and we are honored and inspired by their generosity

Travis Goff, KU Athletic Director

The Beattys’ immense impact over the years includes support for the KU Football Indoor Practice facility and Beatty Pavilion, establishing the Beatty Athletic Scholarship Fund and leadership in providing Name, Image and Likeness support for Jayhawk student-athletes. They are also long-standing benefactors of the KU Alumni Association, of which they are members, the KU Medical Campus-Salina and the KU School of Business. Mike also served on the KU School of Business Board of Advisors, receiving the Distinguished Business Alumni Award in 2003. Family members continue to serve on numerous advisory boards and organizations in Wichita and Salina.

“The Beatty and DeVries families have created a profound legacy at the University of Kansas, and we are honored and inspired by their generosity,” said KU Athletic Director Travis Goff. “Their recent investment in the Gateway District Project will provide a transformational impact on countless future generations of student-athletes and Jayhawk fans.”

As loyal Jayhawks and avid football and basketball fans, the family recognized the need for improvements to the stadium and were excited by the leadership behind the Gateway District, the academic and athletic impacts it will have and the opportunity for others to experience KU connections.

“We really believed in it from the beginning,” said Sarah, “and as the vision for it grew, we decided to support it. We think it’s necessary for the viability of KU.”

Pat, a real estate developer and managing partner of the Salina and Leawood-based Overland Property Group, believes the innovative Gateway District will have tremendous benefits and the timing is ideal.

“It’s something the university has needed for a long time,” said Pat. “It’s a good plan and that’s why this is ultimately happening now.”

He added that no matter what areas one is passionate about at KU, contributing to the Gateway District is something everyone can support, at any level.

“The Beattys’ commitment to the Gateway District is remarkable and the impact of their generosity will be felt at KU and in the region for generations,” said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “We are deeply grateful for the family’s continued investment in the University of Kansas.”

Generations of Beattys and DeVries will continue to gather at KU for games — and for commencements. Pat and his wife Stephanie, who also attended KU, have two Jayhawk sons. Luke graduated from KU in 2022 with a business degree in accounting and finance, and Austin is currently a senior studying business. Sarah and Mark DeVries’ sons are also Jayhawks. Jack graduated with a master’s degree in civil engineering in 2019, and William earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 2019 and a medical degree at the KU Medical Center this year.

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

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July 25, 2024