Washington University in St. Louis has announced an $8 million commitment from alumnus and emeritus trustee John Dains ('68) to establish and endow an undergraduate success fund.

Named for Dains and his late wife, Stephanie ('69), the Stephanie Brooks Dains and John Dains Student Success Fund will cover costs for students with financial need that fall outside the parameters of the standard financial aid package, including family emergencies and educational enrichment opportunities.

Dains, CEO emeritus of Helm Financial Corp., a railcar and locomotive operating leasing company, and his late wife met while they were students. The couple were longtime supporters of the university until her death in June 2016 at age 69.

"Stephanie would have wholeheartedly supported this gift and its focus on making it possible for students to take advantage of all that university life has to offer," said Dains. "Supporting students through scholarships has always been near and dear to us, and it pleases me that her name and impact through this fund will live on in the successful lives of Washington University graduates."

(Photo credit: Hilary Hood)