Businessman’s gifts for KU top $20 million

A businessman whose $10 million gift for economics, business and unrestricted purposes put the University of Kansas economics program on a path to international recognition has doubled his commitment.

Charley W. Oswald of Custer, S.D., pledged an additional $10 million to the Kansas University Endowment Association for the department of economics. A combination of cash and a gift through his estate, the commitment will support a distinguished professorship, enhance existing funds previously established by Oswald and will provide financial support for economics students, research, and faculty travel.

“Few alumni of the University of Kansas have the capacity and the generosity to transform an entire department through their support, but Charley Oswald is one of them,” KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said. “His belief in the value of his KU education and his vision for future KU economics students have made KU a recognized leader in economics education. This is an outstanding gift commitment.”

Oswald, c’51, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from KU with a degree in economics. Now chairman of Rotherwood Ventures, LLC, he spent the bulk of his career as chairman and CEO of National Computer Systems Inc., now known as NCS Pearson. Read More about Charley Oswald’s commitment to KU at the new KU Endowment Association Website.