MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) hosted its annual President’s Honors gala April 11, 2025, achieving a historic milestone by raising $1.16 million in a single evening to support student scholarships. This remarkable accomplishment underscores the unwavering commitment of MNU’s faithful donors to invest in the future of its students.
The event, held at the Cook Center on MNU’s campus, welcomed over 430 attendees, including sponsors, community members, alumni, faculty, and staff. Their collective generosity and enthusiasm were instrumental in reaching this unprecedented fundraising goal. The collective amount raised over 13 events now totals $8.8 million.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Passion to Serve award to the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, recognizing its longstanding support and significant contributions to MNU’s mission. The foundation’s dedication has been pivotal in advancing the university’s infrastructure and educational mission. A video presentation dedicated to the Mabee Foundation highlighted the foundation’s impact in the Kansas City metro through interviews with representatives from Children’s Mercy Hospital, University Health, The World War I Museum and Memorial, Kid’s TLC, and The Hope Center. Each of these organizations has also received generous support from the Mabee Foundation to help fund their capital projects and renovations.
President David Spittal expressed profound gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success. “The President’s Honors gala exemplifies the incredible generosity and support of our community. These contributions enable us to continue transforming lives through education and empower our students to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
While accepting the award, Mabee Foundation Executive Director Mike Goeke said, “We are honored to stand with MidAmerica Nazarene as it stands for the pursuit of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the pursuit of active, life-changing faith.”
The funds raised during the gala directly benefit MNU students, providing essential scholarships that make quality Christian higher education accessible and affordable. This support ensures that students can pursue academic excellence while easing their financial burden.
The success of this year’s President’s Honors gala was made possible through the collaboration of numerous sponsors and volunteers. Celebrating this landmark achievement, Dr. Jon North, senior vice president for university advancement, thanked them for their generous gift of funding and time.
“The dedication and support of all those who make this event happen reflect a shared belief in the transformative power of education at the heart of MNU’s mission,” North said. “We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their generosity that also spurs others to give.”
Fifty-five sponsors joined in creating this year’s event. The Presenting Sponsors of the event were Friends of the Mabee Foundation. Others included Brent and Lynette Barkman, Tim and Gail Buchanan, Quality Technology Services (QTS), Olathe Health, and many others.
Drs. Richard and Billy Spindle, MNU’s third president and first lady, were the honorary co-chairs for the event, along with their extended family. All three of the Spindle’s adult children and two spouses are alumni and their granddaughter, Brooklyn, is currently a student. Their grandson, Carter, will be a freshman in the fall. The Spindles represent 50 years of Mabee Foundation support for MNU.
Enjoy more photos from President’s Honors at flickr.com/photos/mnu-pioneers/albums. Learn how to support MNU, through this event at presidentshonors.org.
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