A Year Can Change a Life; a Life Can Make a Difference
First and foremost, he answered during our country's time of need in World War II, training to be a naval officer at Doane University.
Dale answered the call to service again—albeit in a very different, but still very selfless and generous form—before his passing by graciously giving back to his alma mater.
He only attended Doane University briefly, but it is clear he never forgot his time here.
Dale first arrived at Doane during the war to participate in the US Navy V-5 and V-12 program, wartime training for Navy and Marine Corps officers.
After one year, Dale transferred to Harvard Business School for an additional year under Navy sponsorship. He then returned to Doane to finish his undergraduate degree and was a graduate in the class of 1946. Dale stayed in the Navy as a commissioned officer and retired in 1970 after giving 28 years of service to our country.
Fast forward 23 years, and Dale found himself back at Doane, reliving old memories. On July 9, 1993, Doane held the 50th anniversary reunion of the US Navy V-5 and V-12 program on the campus of Doane University. The success of the reunion was, to a large degree, because of Dale's efforts in finding contact information for the 787 men from Doane's program.
The reunion sparked many relationships and memories, but there was another very momentous consequence.
Dale and fellow attendees of the reunion formed a scholarship committee and launched the USS Doane Scholarship. It has grown to almost a quarter of a million dollars, and Dale played his part as a steady and generous donor to Doane and the scholarship.
In his words, the school was easy to give to. He had an affinity for it as a student and still did as an alumnus.
"It (Doane University) was a great school then, it's even a greater school now!" Dale said. "A small-college environment, a small student body and a dedicated faculty are a hard combination to beat. I'd recommend it any time!"
Dale died Dec. 3, 2013. In his will he made provisions for significant gifts to go to Doane and the USS Doane scholarship. His estate gift will double the size of the scholarship fund.
"As we celebrated the recent Fourth of July holiday, I thought of Dale, his service to our nation and his generosity to a place where he spent a year of his life," says Dan Meyer, Doane's director of planned giving. "He will be laid to rest July 15 at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Thank you, Dale!"
Dale's one year at Doane kindled a love for the school that changed his life. In turn, his gifts to both Doane University and the USS Doane Scholarship have and will continue to change the lives of many young people.
Learn How You Can Help
To discuss how your gift to Doane in your estate plan can also make a difference, contact Thom Reeves at 402.826.8284 or thomas.reeves@doane.edu. We would be happy to help you find the gift that's right for you, at no obligation.