Gift from Dr. David A. Cofrin

by Thomas Harden | October 26, 2009

I am writing today to update you with information I have previously discussed with the University Committee and Faculty Senate.

You are probably aware that Dr. David A. Cofrin passed away in August in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 85. He was a tremendous friend of this University. Indeed, few universities are fortunate to have friends the caliber of Dr. Cofrin and the Cofrin family.

David Cofrin grew up in Green Bay but moved away before this city realized its dreams of having its own University of Wisconsin campus. Nevertheless, David and his wife, Mary Ann, embraced the University with an unparalleled record of philanthropy.

At the beginning of this semester, during my remarks at the annual Faculty/Staff Convocation, I paid tribute to Dr. Cofrin’s memory and mentioned that in the days before his death, his representative had approached us about Dr. Cofrin’s desire to provide yet another generous contribution to UW-Green Bay.

On August 26, I met with the University Committee to discuss details related to Dr. Cofrin’s longstanding wishes to more fully honor his father, Fort Howard Paper Company founder Austin E. Cofrin. Given the nature of Dr. Cofrin’s illness and the urgency of the moment, he would complete the transfer of $5.5 million even before plans for its use could be formalized. Such is the family’s trust and belief in this university.

Upon hearing the proposal, University Committee members were supportive of Dr. Cofrin’s gift, which would provide new opportunities for excellence in academics. They unanimously supported moving forward, including implementing two ways to recognize Austin E. Cofrin.

I then met with the Faculty Senate on September 16. I explained, in detail, the latest gift from Dr. Cofrin and his desire to recognize his father. At the conclusion of my presentation, the questions and answers, and discussion by the Senate, I felt very comfortable deciding that I would move forward with two initiatives.

1. A portion of the $5.5 million, $1.5 million, will be directed to an existing named professorship, the Austin E. Cofrin Professorship in Management, in order to advance it to the status of a fully endowed chair. The Austin E. Cofrin Chair in Business will be our University’s second, joining the John P. Blair Endowed Chair in Communications.
2. The balance of the gift, about $4 million, will be invested in a permanent endowment to benefit academic enhancements with the earnings to be used as we determine. Accordingly, our Business program will be named the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business. The School of Business will remain a component of the College of Professional and Graduate Studies.

I have recently conferred with UW System President Kevin P. Reilly, who in turn consulted members of the Board of Regents. They are supportive of this gift and the proposal to change our Professional Program in Business to a school, and to name it the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business.

The details associated with the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business still need to be worked out. The actual naming of the School will occur when the details have been addressed.

I am very appreciative for the counsel I received from members of the University Committee and for their support and objective consideration of the issues associated with naming a school. I am also grateful for the opportunity to fully discuss the issue with Faculty Senate.

You will be hearing more in coming weeks as plans are developed to apply this gift to best meet the University’s academic needs.

Thomas K. Harden
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay