Valparaiso University Receives $1 Million Commitment for Unrestricted Endowment

Thanks to the generosity of alumna Marian Schaper ’72 Moon and the Rev. Anthony (Tony) Moon, Ph.D., Valparaiso University has received a $1 million commitment to support its unrestricted endowment fund and $250,000 to establish the Marian J. and Anthony B. Moon Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“Tony and I are blessed to be in a position to give back to the University,” Marian said. “I would not have been able to attend Valpo without the scholarship support I received, and this fund will ensure that future students have that same opportunity. We also wanted to establish a source of funding for the University leadership to use to meet the most immediate needs, and the unrestricted endowment fund will offer that support in perpetuity.”

Unrestricted giving is among the most important support the University can receive, as it provides the ultimate level of flexibility to meet the most pressing needs. University leaders can respond to unforeseen challenges, fund a program or scholarship that may not otherwise receive support, or seize an opportunity that requires immediate funding that is not available in the operating budget.

“Marian and Tony’s philanthropic support of Valparaiso University is deeply valued,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., president of Valparaiso University. “By designating their commitment to our unrestricted endowment fund and establishing a scholarship that offers the maximum flexibility for us to help students, they demonstrate great faith and trust in Valpo’s future. We are all truly thankful for their confidence and support of the University.”

Marian earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from Valpo. She has been a member of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors since 2010 and served on the College of Business National Council from 2006–2010. Marian held leadership positions with Devon Energy Corporation, Oklahoma City, Okla., joining the company in 1984 as one of the first 50 people hired and retiring as senior vice president of administration in 2008. Tony earned a doctor of philosophy in education from the University of Oklahoma in 1995. He was ordained an Episcopal deacon in 1997 and currently serves as deacon at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City. A life-long learner, Tony is currently in the process of becoming an Episcopal priest.