The Journal

Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Laila Wessel Webster University President Richard Meyers (front left) offers his gratitude to former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary George Herbert Walker III on Oct. 8 for his large donation to WU. The presentation took place in the Community Music School's lobby. Dean of the School of Business and Technology Benjamin Akande (right) also expressed his thanks with a toast to Walker.

George Herbert Walker III, former U.S. ambassador to Hungary and longtime benefactor to Webster University, made the largest donation in the university's history Oct. 8 at a special ceremony in the Community Music School building.

Walker and his wife Carol donated $10 million to the university, designated to the School of Business and Technology. Along with this donation, Walker made a challenge for the Webster community to match his donation.

Dean of the School of Business and Technology Benjamin Akande said it has not been determined what the money will be used for within the school.

Before Walker's gift, the largest amount donated to WU was $2.8 million from Beatrice
Kornblum.

In his speech during the event, Akande spoke of his admiration for Walker and all he has done not only for St. Louis, but around the world.

"Bert Walker is one of the finest men I have ever known," Akande said. "Thank you for being an exemplar of nobility, civility and humanity."

Walker said he was giving WU a significant part of his assets even though other organizations had asked him for money as well.

"Why Webster? I've been passionate about Webster University for more than 30 years and its possibilities for the future," Walker said.

Walker said globalization and interconnection were not only present in everyday society but that higher education institutions such as WU were miles ahead of the pack.

"I'm convinced Webster stands heads and shoulders above others in global education," Walker said.

Walker also mentioned the Sisters of Loretto in his speech.

"My hat is off to the wonderful Sisters of Loretto, who founded Webster and gave it such a caring culture," he said.

Continued...

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