Ottawa University is delighted to announce that Marguerite (Monroe) Gibson of Ottawa, Kansas, has made a $1 million naming gift to the University for a new student center to be built in 2013-14 as part of its Advancing the Vision Capital Campaign. The Gibson Student Center will be part of a $10 million state-of-the-art library and student center facility to be located in the center of campus where the Mowbray Union currently stands.
Lifelong Ottawa residents, Marguerite and Raymond C. Gibson were married for 57 years before his passing in 2000. They owned and operated a number of restaurants in Ottawa before founding Bingo Dog Food, Inc. in 1960. The couple was deeply committed to promoting the Ottawa community, and Marguerite has carried on that legacy following Raymond’s death.
"We are deeply grateful for this million dollar gift from Marguerite Gibson and very pleased to be able to name the student center in her honor," said OU President Kevin C. Eichner. "The Gibson Student Center, along with the to-be-named library, will impact Ottawa University students for decades to come."
Vice President for University Advancement Paul Bean agrees. “Marguerite’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the residents of Ottawa and Franklin County is unwavering. Through her extremely generous gift towards the new Gibson Student Center, Ottawa University will be able to greatly enhance the student experience, as well as provide a wonderful location for community events and support the University’s efforts to attract and retain students. Marguerite’s philanthropy is a wonderful example to all of us as to how we can give back and have a significant impact in the lives of others.”
The Ottawa Herald featured the Gibson gift on the front page of their April 25 edition. To read the article, visit www.ottawaherald.com/story/042512ou