Lipscomb University receives $1 million gift to fund student scholarships
Slawek Family Opportunity Scholarship to assist first-generation students among others who seek Christ-centered education at Lipscomb.
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University has received a $1 million gift from Joe and Mary Slawek to establish the Slawek Family Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which will provide four years of scholarship support to students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
This transformative gift will make a Christ-centered education accessible to students who have demonstrated a strong potential for success who desire to attend Lipscomb. First-generation college students among others will be given first preference for this new scholarship. Recipients will be recognized as Slawek Family Opportunity Scholars and will benefit from additional resources, including academic success coaching, mentoring and tutoring through Lipscomb’s Coggin Family Academic Success Center.
“Joe and Mary Slawek have made a tremendous investment in the lives of students who might otherwise face significant barriers to higher education,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Their generosity reflects their deep commitment to making a Christian education attainable for all who seek it and will have a lasting impact on our community. Their legacy will inspire future generations of students and serve as a testament to the transformative power of Christian education. We are profoundly grateful for their continued partnership in our mission to prepare students for lives of purpose and faith.”
The Slaweks’ commitment to Christian education has been a cornerstone of their philanthropic endeavors. Joe Slawek, founder and retired chairman and CEO of FONA International, a Chicago-based flavor company, and Mary Slawek, co-founder and board member of FONA, now focus their efforts on their family’s philanthropic vision. Joe currently serves as chairman and CEO of Matthew Twenty Five LLC and Slawek Family Holdings.
“For us, giving is an expression of faith and a response to the blessings we have received,” said Joe Slawek. “This scholarship is an opportunity to serve students who are eager to learn and grow at a Christian university, and we are thrilled to partner with Lipscomb University to support their academic journey.”
Mary Slawek echoed her husband’s sentiments, adding, “We believe in the power of Christian education to transform lives and equip students to build a better world. It is our hope that these scholarships will open doors for young people to embrace their potential and find their purpose.”
This is the latest significant gift the Slaweks have given to Lipscomb University. In 2021, they donated $1 million to Lipscomb’s College of Business to support its mission of developing future leaders. In addition, Joe Slawek has become a frequent guest speaker at the College of Business, sharing insights from his career and his experiences as a Christian business leader.