Contributing to Educational Distinction |
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The John P. Ellbogen Foundation committed $1 million to the University of Wyoming, bringing the Ellbogen Foundation’s total donations to UW since 2001 to more than $1.6 million.
The gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the State Endowment Fund. Specific allocations for the recent $1 million donation will be decided at a later date.
The John P. Ellbogen Foundation was formed out of the proceeds of the estate of John P. “Jack” Ellbogen, who died in July 2001. Prior to Ellbogen’s death, he donated $1.2 million to UW, primarily contributing to educational distinction.
“My dad felt that it was a tremendous privilege to attend the university and to spend his lifetime in Wyoming. He attributed his success in business to his education at UW. He wanted to continue to benefit his alma mater and the state through the foundation,” says Ellbogen’s daughter, Mary Ellbogen Garland of Laramie.
Rod Moss, longtime friend of Jack Ellbogen and current Ellbogen Foundation board member, describes Jack as the quintessential entrepreneur. “He was a very dynamic person, full of ideas and one who loved the challenge of business and risk taking. He was extremely patriotic and deeply concerned about the direction the country was going,” Moss says. “He was especially passionate about public education and understood how important education was to our nation’s future. The [Foundation] board is committed to carry out Jack’s longterm
vision for public education, the university, and the state of Wyoming. Jack worked tirelessly in these areas until his death.”
The Foundation’s mission is “to create or cause change, primarily for the benefit of the people of the state of Wyoming through the support of science, education, and charity,” and its primary goal is to support education, making a big impact in a few key areas, emphasizes Garland. “We are working with Educational Leadership and other granting organizations throughout Wyoming to partner with us in attaining our goals in accordance with my dad’s vision,” she adds.
“My dad has given my siblings and me such an incredible gift. He set the stage perfectly for us to carry on his legacy,” Garland says.
Photo: Ellbogen Foundation by Bob Hale Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006
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