Springfield, MO, May 2, 2023 – During a ceremony on Tuesday, May 2, Drury University proudly accepted a check for $50,000 from The Schneider Foundation. The money will go toward Drury’s longstanding camps for gifted students, which the foundation has supported for more than 20 years. The check presentation ceremony took place in Drury’s Reed Board Room at the C.H. “Chub O’Reilly Enterprise Center.
Donations from The Schneider Foundation are used to support Drury’s Summer Quest / Summer Pals, Summerscape / Drury Leadership Academy, Winterscape and Fallscape. The programs serve children from pre-kindergarten through high school and funding helps provide scholarships and improve programming and staffing.
Abby Miller, a past student who attended the summer academy from 1991-2000, spoke during the ceremony. “I have so many amazing, precious and fun memories. I made friends that I am still in touch with 23 years later. It brought me out of my shell and gave me the confidence to be curious about the world and opened me up to skills and interest I may never have experienced,” she said. Abby’s 6-year-old daughter, Eva, now attends the camps and is following in her mother’s footsteps.
The Schneider Foundation’s donation to the gifted student program is just one example of their ongoing efforts to support Drury and educational initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of students and the community.
“The first gift the Schneider family gave to Drury was in 1967 and the foundation has provided more than $1 million dollars to Drury since,” said Executive Vice President of University Advancement, Marie Muhvic. “They truly play an integral part at Drury University, and we are so grateful for their support.”
The Schneider Foundation was founded in 1989 by Henry and Jane Schneider, who were both graduates of Drury. Through their foundation, they are committed to supporting education and empowering students to reach their full potential.
“Drury University is special to my family and for the last 25 years we have been in partnership with the gifted student program,” said Dr. Michael Schneider, President of The Schneider Foundation. “The camps provide a valuable opportunity for students to explore their interests and learn from experienced instructors in a supportive and engaging environment. Thank you to all the staff for the contributions you have made to area students.”
To date, The Schneider Foundation has provided $5.6 million in grants to the community. Find out more about Drury’s camps for gifted students at drury.edu/gifted-education/.
###
Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.