Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Abilene, Texas, has announced a $29 million bequest from the late Bill and Janie Dukes to establish an endowment for the finance program. 

The largest single academic gift in ACU history will be used to establish an endowment named after the couple to finance student scholarships, prepare students to attend excellent graduate programs, and establish several endowed faculty positions in finance. In recognition of the gift, the university will launch the Dukes School of Finance in the College of Business Administration in 2023.

“This overwhelmingly generous gift presents a permanent base of funding that allows us to resource and dream at a completely new level about the coursework, experiences, and outcomes we can offer to our finance students,” said Brad Crisp, dean of the College of Business Administration. 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Drazen Zigic)