University of Evansville Receives Transformational $500,000 Estate Gift from Emeritus Trustee M. Stephen Harkness
Evansville, Ind. (04/14/2025) — A generous $500,000 estate gift from Emeritus Trustee M. Stephen (Steve) Harkness '70, H'06 will provide additional enduring support for multiple established endowed scholarships, previously established by Harkness at the University of Evansville (UE), ensuring future generations of students have access to transformative educational opportunities. To date, Steve's lifetime giving to the University of Evansville includes nearly $1.2 million for several areas of the University such as scholarships, capital projects, and operational funding.
Harkness, a longtime supporter and advocate of the University, has designated this planned gift to benefit five endowed scholarships named in memory and in honor of family and loved ones.
Reflecting his deep commitment to education and student success, Harkness' gift will provide vital financial assistance to students, with a special emphasis on those from Wood Memorial High School in Oakland City, Indiana, and the surrounding region. A 1966 graduate of Oakland City High School - later named Wood Memorial High School - Harkness maintains strong ties to the area and has long sought to support students from his hometown. His philanthropic legacy will strengthen UE's ability to attract and retain students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership, and financial need.
"Steve Harkness' generosity has already made an immeasurable impact on the University of Evansville. His friendship to us has been invaluable as he has provided graciously through his philanthropy, volunteerism, and as an active alumnus," said Abigail L. Werling, Vice President for University Advancement. "This gift ensures that his dedication to student success will continue in perpetuity, creating significant opportunities for generations of Aces. We are truly grateful for Steve's commitment to UE and for his life-changing investment in our students."
Harkness earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from UE in 1970 and later a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Indiana University, and has enjoyed a distinguished career in financial and operational positions. He retired as President of Duke Energy Generation Services but has remained actively involved with the University during his retirement. Harkness delivered the keynote address to UE's 2006 graduating seniors and received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from UE. In 2011, the UE Alumni Association awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Harkness served on the UE Board of Visitors before joining the University's Board of Trustees in 2006 and served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2014 until 2017. He was named an Emeritus Trustee in 2024 in recognition of his years of dedicated service.
"I am proud to support the University of Evansville and its students," said Harkness. "UE played a pivotal role in shaping my career and values, and I want to ensure that future students have the same opportunities for success."
The University of Evansville extends its deepest gratitude to Steve Harkness for his extraordinary generosity and continued belief in the power of education. His legacy will inspire and empower UE students for years to come.
For more information on how to support UE, visit www.evansville.edu/development.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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