Spahr gifts for KU top $11.5M with new $6.5M donation for engineering school

The year that former Standard Oil Chairman Charles E. Spahr gave his first contribution for KU, a gallon of gas cost 20 cents, Franklin Murphy was chancellor and the Lawrence campus enrolled a mere 6,816 students.

Nearly five decades and dozens of gifts later, Spahr, e'34, and his wife, Mary Jane Bruckmiller Spahr, '38, have committed $6.5 million through outright contributions and estate plans for the School of Engineering. The gift brings their total support for the University to more than $11.5 million since 1954.

The most recent gift from the Shaker Heights, Ohio, couple will establish the Charles and Mary Jane Spahr Engineering Fund at the KU Endowment Association. The unrestricted fund will provide support for engineering students and faculty members.

"Charlie and Janie Spahr are among the University's most ardent supporters," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "For almost 50 years, they have given their time, talent and financial support to benefit KU. The Spahrs will continue to leave a legacy of pride and hope for our future students and faculty members."

Previous gifts from the Spahrs have included support for professorships, scholarships and expansions for engineering.

Charlie said he and his wife wanted to provide long-term support for the KU School of Engineering.

"Janie and I want to do all that we can to help the KU School of Engineering be one of the best in the United States," he said. "It's our hope that our gifts will benefit others through the educational process far into the future."

Charlie Spahr is a native of Independence, Mo., and his wife grew up in Sugar Creek, Mo.