The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh on Wednesday celebrated alumna Mary Novak-Jandrey and the transformational impact of her historic $10 million endowment gift, the largest philanthropic gift in university history.
The gift led to the naming of the Mary Novak-Jandrey College of Nursing, Health Professions and STEM and represents a long-term investment in students, faculty, innovation and workforce preparation.
Novak-Jandrey, a 1974 UW–Oshkosh nursing graduate and first-generation college student, has maintained a strong connection to the university that helped shape her own journey. Her gift reflects both that personal history and a desire to create opportunities for future generations of students.
“At a time when a college education seemed out of reach for my family, UWO was a local, affordable option that offered a high-quality experience,” Novak-Jandrey said. “Many of my life successes can be traced back to the varied opportunities I experienced while at UWO. While many may believe that UWO, as a state university, is fully funded by the state, this is not reality. It takes all of us, the entire community that benefits from a local university, to support its ongoing success.”
The endowment will provide sustained support for student success, faculty and staff development, curriculum innovation, simulation learning environments, and interdisciplinary education. Resources from the fund will help expand access to high-impact learning experiences, advance innovative teaching and workforce preparation initiatives, strengthen simulation and experiential learning opportunities, and support collaborative programs that prepare graduates to address complex healthcare, STEM, and community challenges.
Dr. Seon Yoon Chung, dean of the Mary Novak-Jandrey College of Nursing, Health Professions and STEM, said the gift will strengthen the college’s ability to innovate, expand learning opportunities and respond to evolving workforce needs.
“Mary Novak-Jandrey’s extraordinary generosity is an investment in possibility. This endowment will expand opportunities for students, strengthen faculty innovation, enhance simulation and experiential learning environments, and support new interdisciplinary approaches to education that prepare graduates to address the evolving needs of healthcare, science, and society. The impact of this gift will extend far beyond our campus, empowering generations of students to transform lives, strengthen communities, and lead with compassion, expertise, and innovation.”
Chancellor Manohar Singh said the gift reflects the power of philanthropy to strengthen public higher education and the communities UW–Oshkosh serves.
“Mary’s historic gift represents far more than a remarkable act of generosity. It is an expression of belief in UW–Oshkosh, in the transformative power of public higher education and, most importantly, in the generations of students who will follow in her footsteps,” Chancellor Manohar Singh said. “Her legacy will live not only in the name of this college, but in the opportunities created for our students, the innovation advanced by our faculty and staff, and the communities strengthened by the graduates who leave UWO prepared to make an impact.”
The naming became effective July 1, 2026, following approval by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Wednesday’s celebration included a press conference, an official naming ceremony in the Clow Academic Complex and a reception in Reeve Memorial Union, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, university leaders, donors and community members.
The naming ensures Novak-Jandrey’s connection to UW–Oshkosh will remain visible for generations, while the endowment behind the name will continue creating opportunities for the students, faculty and communities the college serves.
About Mary Novak-Jandrey
Mary Novak-Jandrey is a 1974 graduate of UW–Oshkosh’s nursing program and a Distinguish Alumna award recipient. Her $10 million endowment gift is the largest philanthropic gift in UW–Oshkosh history.
As a first-generation college graduate, she worked tirelessly to support herself through college, developing the independence, resilience, and determination that guided her personal and professional life. Following graduation, Mary advanced into leadership roles in healthcare and founded a consulting firm. Together with her husband, Edward (Ned) E. Jandrey III, Mary added to her entrepreneurial legacy through ventures including manufacturing and excavating companies. Her entrepreneurial success exemplifies the same curiosity, adaptability, and forward-thinking mindset that have defined Mary's professional achievements and philanthropic leadership.
