4.15.19

Bank of America supports new business school facility with $250,000 gift

Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed $250,000 to help Wichita State build a new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business on the Innovation Campus.

“Bank of America and Wichita State University have a shared mission in supporting the development of our young people in the business world,” said Shawn Lancelot, Wichita market president for Bank of America. “We’re excited to be a part of this new facility that will bring together students, faculty and business leaders in an environment of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation, which is leading efforts to raise private funds for the new facility, said the gift strengthens Bank of America’s longstanding partnership with Wichita State.

“It is only through the generosity of donors like Bank of America that Wichita State is able to provide the kind of education tomorrow’s students will require,” King said. “The new business school facility will help give WSU graduates the competitive edge they need to be successful.”

The WSU Foundation has met its goal to raise $30 million in private funds for the new facility, which has an estimated cost of $50 million. As additional private funds are committed, they will help offset the amount the university must invest in the project. The new facility will be named Woolsey Hall, in recognition of Wayne and Kay Woolsey, who made a lead gift of $10 million.

Bank of America previously has provided funds to underwrite a virtual trading software program used by students in the Koch Global Trading Center at the Barton School. The bank also has supported WSU programs that help prepare first-generation students for the workforce. Bank of America’s support for WSU Athletics is recognized with their name displayed at the west entrance to Charles Koch Arena.