Walker Family Makes Largest Planned Gift in History of UE Women's Basketball
Evansville, Ind. (03/04/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the establishment of The Walker Family Women's Excellence in Basketball Endowment Fund, created through a generous estate gift from Steven L. '84 and Julie Ann Walker. The fund represents the largest planned gift in UE Women's Basketball history and will provide long-term financial support for the program, ensuring resources for student-athletes for generations to come.
Steven, a 1984 Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate of UE, and Julie Ann Walker have deep family ties to the university. Steven's mother was a UE nursing graduate, and Julie Ann's grandfather was a member of the UE basketball team. Recognizing the importance of giving back, the Walkers saw an opportunity to invest in women's athletics, an area they believe deserves greater recognition and support.
"When you go to these games, you see the effort. These players never give up," Steven said. "We wanted to help a program that doesn't always get the spotlight but deserves every bit of support. This isn't just about today; it's about making sure there's lasting support for these athletes long into the future," Walker added.
Beyond their own contribution, the Walkers hope their gift will inspire others to consider planned giving and support for the university.
"I am incredibly thankful for the Walkers' investment in the future of Evansville Women's Basketball. As a former student-athlete, I know the transformative power intercollegiate athletics can have in building leaders that will make a life-long impact in their communities," Scherr said. "Steven and Julie Ann are investing in women's athletics in a way that will have an impact for generations to come. Their gift will help provide our players with the resources to pursue greatness on and off the court."
For more information on how to support UE, visit https://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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