Local benefactor donates $10 million
George Herbert Walker III earmarks largest single donation in university history for School of Business and Technology
By: Breanna Herschelman
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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Walker said many also asked him why he would make this donation to Webster when he attended Yale University for an undergraduate degree and Harvard University for a law degree.
"People ask why not other places," Walker said. "But we are believers in the critical role of education in society. Education adds to the quality of life for all of us. It helps us understand where we come from and who we are."
WU President Richard Meyers said Walker finds genuine joy in the fulfillment of giving rather than receiving.
Former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden said he has known Walker for years. He said Walker knows how to improve education in a global setting and is using his financial power as a commitment to the university.
"Bert Walker is one of the most classy, committed individuals I've ever known," Holden said. "I consider him a good, personal friend."
Walker sits as a lifetime member of WU's Board of Trustees. As such, he has no term limit. He is one of only two lifetime members. The other member is Laurance Browning, Jr, the former vice chairman of Emerson Electric Co.
He also serves as the chairman of the School of Business and Technology's advisory board.
Walker comes from a long line of political and financial barons. His first cousin is former President George H. W. Bush, and his father co-founded the New York Mets baseball team. Walker himself made his money through his financial company, Stifel Nicolaus and Co. He is chairman emeritus of this company and of Stifel Financial Co.
Patricia Rusch, a campaign manager in the development office at WU, said the gift took years of planning and persuading. She said a team of people started planning for this gift at least four to five years ago. The team included members of the university's administration, Akande, Board of Trustees members, volunteers and the development office.
Faith Maddy, vice president of alumni and development, said the gift was a culmination of Walker's engagement and involvement in the institution.
"He believes and is inspired by Webster University and wants to pass that along," Maddy said.
"People ask why not other places," Walker said. "But we are believers in the critical role of education in society. Education adds to the quality of life for all of us. It helps us understand where we come from and who we are."
WU President Richard Meyers said Walker finds genuine joy in the fulfillment of giving rather than receiving.
Former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden said he has known Walker for years. He said Walker knows how to improve education in a global setting and is using his financial power as a commitment to the university.
"Bert Walker is one of the most classy, committed individuals I've ever known," Holden said. "I consider him a good, personal friend."
Walker sits as a lifetime member of WU's Board of Trustees. As such, he has no term limit. He is one of only two lifetime members. The other member is Laurance Browning, Jr, the former vice chairman of Emerson Electric Co.
He also serves as the chairman of the School of Business and Technology's advisory board.
Walker comes from a long line of political and financial barons. His first cousin is former President George H. W. Bush, and his father co-founded the New York Mets baseball team. Walker himself made his money through his financial company, Stifel Nicolaus and Co. He is chairman emeritus of this company and of Stifel Financial Co.
Patricia Rusch, a campaign manager in the development office at WU, said the gift took years of planning and persuading. She said a team of people started planning for this gift at least four to five years ago. The team included members of the university's administration, Akande, Board of Trustees members, volunteers and the development office.
Faith Maddy, vice president of alumni and development, said the gift was a culmination of Walker's engagement and involvement in the institution.
"He believes and is inspired by Webster University and wants to pass that along," Maddy said.
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