O’Reilly, Wooten families offer $1.8M match for Drury fundraiser

Drury University is launching its annual March Madness fundraising drive with help from the O’Reilly and Wooten families.

Family members, who graduated from the private liberal arts institution, have offered to match up to $1.8 million in donations to support student success initiatives, according to a news release. They comprise Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten, Stacey and David O’Reilly, Anya and Larry O’Reilly, and Lauren O’Reilly.

The matching challenge will run through March 31. The families said all donations designated to Drury’s student success fund will be matched, dollar for dollar.

New this year, there is a limited opportunity to leverage matching funds for select endowment gifts and commitments.

“The O’Reilly and Wooten families are honored to provide this match as a reflection of our deep gratitude for Drury and our confidence in its future,” Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten said in the release. “Drury has shaped our family across generations, and we are proud to help create opportunities for today’s students to thrive. We hope this challenge encourages alumni and friends to join us in investing in the people and programs that make a Drury education distinctive.”

Donors can designate their gifts to targeted areas: Scholarships and financial aid, area of greatest need, student services, faculty and academic support, and facilities.

“Through their leadership and generosity, the O’Reilly-Wooten challenges have resulted in record years of support for student success,” Drury President Jeff Frederick said in the release. “This year’s challenge not only advances the student success fund and our endowment but also serves as an invitation – and an inspiration – for alumni and friends to join them in investing in our students’ futures. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the example they continue to set for our community.”