1.19.24

Bloomfield Foundation commits $1.1 million pledge to Wichita State

The Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation, established in 1953, has played a significant role in supporting the arts and engineering programs at Wichita State University for more than 40 years. A recent pledge of $1.1 million dollars from the foundation will continue advancing the Bloomfield’s legacy, increasing funding for the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series and the Sam Bloomfield Distinguished Engineer in Residence.

“Based on the Bloomfield’s ardent love for the arts and their desire for engineering innovation, they supported arts and education throughout their lives and now continue to do so through their foundation,” said Cheryl McKay Moffatt, Bloomfield Foundation trustee. “The current trustees wish to continue the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield by supporting the arts and education in Wichita and at Wichita State University to inspire the students, faculty and the community to achieve excellence.”

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series was established in 1994 to pay the fees for distinguished guest artists to perform at Wichita State. Since its inception, the fund has brought dozens of artists to WSU’s campus to share their talent with Shocker Nation. This additional pledge from the Bloomfield Foundation will increase the annual distribution from the endowment, ensuring it remains a quality organ series.

The Sam Bloomfield Engineer in Residence was established in 1987 to help strengthen the College of Engineering’s doctoral program by supplementing WSU’s teaching and publishing faculty with visiting professors. The increased funding for the program will allow for a more substantial payment to create a competitive and attractive position for prospective candidates.

Sam Bloomfield was considered one of ‘Wichita’s aviation pioneers,’ working as president and chief engineer for Swallow Airplane Company for more than 20 years. Rie Bloomfield was a registered nurse prior to her marriage to Sam and became one of the most notable patrons of the arts in Wichita with her significant support through the years.

The Bloomfield Foundation has helped with many projects at Wichita State, including the completion of Wiedemann Hall, which houses the Marcussen organ and a number of Rie’s personal collections of paintings and sculptures. Additionally, the Bloomfield Foundation has supported and continues to support many endowed funds, including the Sam Bloomfield Chair in Aerospace Engineering, the Paul and Joy Mahan Scholarship in Business, and the Sam Bloomfield Chair in Engineering, which has been dedicated to the field of sustainability.

“The difference that Sam and Rie have made for Wichita State and the entire Wichita community is hard to fathom,” said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “Their generosity has benefitted generations of students and a number of outstanding faculty and staff who invest so much into Shocker Nation. We are incredibly grateful for the work of the Bloomfield Foundation trustees to ensure their legacy continues.”