Drury gets naming-level donation from O'Reilly family

The O'Reilly family is providing the lead donation for Drury University's first new academic building in 20 years.

The $27 million, 56,700-square-foot building will be named the C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Enterprise Center, according to a news release. Drury spokesperson Mike Brothers said the donation amount is undisclosed; the release notes the project is entirely funded by private donations.

The donation from Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly, David O’Reilly, Larry O’Reilly and Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten is being made in honor of the late Chub O’Reilly; David, Charlie, Larry and Rosalie are siblings. The naming-level gift was announced during a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.

“It is fitting and inspiring for this family to place their patriarch’s name on this new space, given their history of leadership, business acumen and spirit of giving back to others,” said Rita Baron, chair of the Drury Board of Trustees, in the release.

Chub O’Reilly earned an associate degree in business at Drury later in his life, officials said. He co-founded O’Reilly Automotive in 1957 with his father, Charles F. O’Reilly, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

“We’re tickled to be a part of it and we know dad would be very proud to have his name on that new building," David O’Reilly said in the release.

The previously announced Enterprise Center will span three stories and house the Breech School of Business Administration. Other features include a 10,500-square-foot conference center and event space called the Center for Executive Education, according to past reporting.

The project site is located at the southeast corner of Drury Lane and Central Street. Replacing surface parking, the development is part of the college’s 25-year master plan. It’s slated for completion by fall 2022, Brothers said, noting Nabholz Corp. is general contractor for the project designed by New York City-based Cooper Robertson & Partners LLP and St. Louis-based Trivers Associates Inc.