Texas Wesleyan Trustee, and longtime benefactor Jan Fersing has made one of his largest contributions to the University — a $283,000 gift whose impact will be felt across campus.

"I am glad I could make this gift," says Fersing. "I hope it will stir up positive responses from other Wesleyan donors, which is one of my primary goals. Our students need scholarships and our sports teams, particularly basketball and baseball, need improved facilities. I want my donation to plant a hopeful seed to be nourished by other donors."

The gift includes a $100,000 challenge grant to encourage annual giving by matching new and increased gifts to the Wesleyan Fund dollar-for-dollar. Fersing also designated $50,000 in support of the Rams Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rest will support Texas Wesleyan's athletic programs and other fundraising initiatives throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Although never a Texas Wesleyan student, Jan Fersing has been an integral part of our community for many years, including the last 15 as a member of the Board of Trustees. As a dedicated sports fan, he can be seen at numerous athletic events, including nearly all home basketball games. Fersing's prior contributions to TXWES include on-going annual gifts to the athletic, music and theater programs, the Joe Brown "Pro Joe" Student Emergency Endowment, the Encore-Joe Brown Theatre Endowed Scholarship and the Winifred and Leif Fersing Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Fersing's contributions of time and resources have been an enormous benefit to Texas Wesleyan. As he often comments, "I give to Wesleyan because I can see my funds at work. I know I'm making a difference."