Butler receives $4M gift to fund new presidential residence
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Butler University has received a $4 million gift from Trustee Jay Love and his wife Christie (Kile) Love to fund construction of a new University House and Presidential Residence. Butler says the Jay and Christie Kile Love University House will serve as a home for future Butler presidents, as well as a venue to host fundraising and community events.
The funds are expected to fully cover construction costs, along with furnishings and maintenance of the house, without impacting the university’s budget.
“It is exciting to envision what this campus can be for future generations of Butler University students, faculty, and staff,” said Jay Love, who graduated from Butler in 1976. “We know the value and prestige a presidential residence can bring to the University, building upon the fundraising success of the Butler Beyond campaign. Critical to future and ongoing success will be recruiting outstanding leaders to further advance the University’s impact and reputation, while attracting the necessary support and resources.”
The university says it is still looking into options for the location of the Jay and Christie Kile Love University House.
“On behalf of Butler University, I am sincerely grateful to Jay and Christie Love for their extremely generous donation, which will allow us to pursue this important facility without the use of University resources,” said Butler President James Danko. “The Loves’ long-time professional experience in fundraising strategies prompted them to recognize this project would provide a valuable University asset that will have a significant and positive long-term impact for Butler. I am grateful for visionary partners like the Loves who allow us to continue to dream big about Butler’s future.”
Jay Love earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Butler and now has a career helping nonprofit organizations with technology. He is the co-founder and former chief executive officer of Bloomerang, a nonprofit donor management software company. Christie Love earned her Butler undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and has worked as a teacher, as well as the former executive director of the Lawrence Township School Foundation.