Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, has announced a $50 million gift from long-time alumni donors Greg (‘84) and Ronda (‘84) Brenneman.

The funds will support the construction of an interdisciplinary healthcare education facility and bolster Washburn’s business school—renamed after the Brennemans—and nursing school, which has been renamed for Ronda Brenneman’s late sister and nursing school alumnus, Harmony J. Hines. The largest gift in the history of the university—announced to coincide with Washburn’s 160th birthday—boosts its Forever Washburn campaign to $200 million, 80 percent of its $250 million goal.

“It is difficult to adequately convey our gratitude to the Brennemans for this historic gift as well as their belief in Washburn,” said Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation president Marshall Meek. “Through relationships with this family, and other remarkable donors and alumni, we are able to dream big and prepare the leaders of tomorrow in groundbreaking and innovative ways.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/Polylerus)