January 26, 1999
The gift of securities to the Kansas University Endowment Association comes from Andrew P. and Mary-Elizabeth Debicki of Lawrence. The Mary-Elizabeth and Andrew P. Debicki Graduate Fellowship Fund will provide fellowships for graduate students in the humanities, with a preference given to first-year students.
The Debickis said they felt that it was important to fund scholarships for graduate students.
"Support for graduate students is essential to KU as a research institution where new knowledge is generated and transmitted," the Debickis said.
Shulenburger thanked the Debickis for their gift.
"Andy and Mary-Elizabeth Debicki are extraordinary supporters of so many aspects of the University of Kansas," Shulenburger said. "Their talents have enriched KU in a multitude of ways, and this latest gift to enhance graduate education is one more cause for gratitude to them both."
Andrew P. Debicki attended Yale University, where he received a bachelor's degree in 1955 and a Ph.D. in 1960. After teaching at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. and Grinnell College, Iowa, he came to KU as a professor of Spanish in 1968. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles and has held Guggenheim, National Endowment for the Humanities and National Humanities Center fellowships, among other grants. He has received teaching and research awards at KU.
Andrew Debicki was named a university distinguished professor in 1976; he served as director of the Hall Center for the Humanities from 1989 to 1993. He was named dean of the Graduate School in 1993. He served as vice chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies. Since 1996, Andrew Debicki has been dean of the Graduate School and International Programs.
Mary-Elizabeth Debicki studied at the University of Paris - Sorbonne and received her bachelor's degree from Hollins College, Roanoke, Va., and her master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, University. She served as director of the Office of Study Abroad from 1986 until her retirement in 1996.
Longtime supporters of KU, the Debickis have contributed to many other KU funds and activities.
The gift will be administered by the KU Endowment Association, an independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fund-management foundation for the University of Kansas. Founded in 1891, the KU Endowment Association is the oldest foundation of its type at a public university in the United States and one of the largest.
Story by Caryn Goldberg