IKE INSIGHT
AUGUST
YOU DID IT!
Thanks to donors from all 50 states, $1,037,414 was raised in honor of The Eisenhower Foundation’s 80th anniversary, June 22, 2025.
These gifts were matched 1:1 by our Board of Directors and Trustees collectively.
In addition, the State of Kansas provided a 2:1 match — meaning over $3,000,000 was added to the I Like Ike Capital Campaign!
We are ensuring future generations know Ike’s legacy.
I Like Ike Still Rings True
The Eisenhower Foundation continues to make significant progress towards our I Like Ike Capital Campaign goal. Thanks to recent generous gifts received from the Anne C. Eagles estate, the William T. Kemper Foundation – Commerce Bank, Trustee (Kansas City, MO), and numerous Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation, we are thrilled to announce we have now raised $12.6 million – 74% of our $17 million fundraising goal. This tremendous progress is made possible by your continued support.
McCownGordon Construction has been selected as our Construction Manager for the Education Center. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, with a regional office in Manhattan, KS, McCownGordon is widely respected for its collaborative approach, community focus, and strong track record of delivering high-quality civic and cultural projects across the Midwest.
We remain committed to our ambitious goal of breaking ground
and encouragement for students to develop skills in science,
The Exploration Hall will welcome learners of all ages and will feature experiences that highlight pivotal moments in Dwight D. Eisenhower’s military and presidential career.
The Learning Lab will provide tools
From space to landscapes, it will celebrate Ike’s commitment to scientific progress
the arts.
New IKEducation Programs for 2025-2026
Our IKEducation team has been hard at work preparing new programs for the upcoming school year. One of the newest additions to our civics education series is “Path to Naturalization,” which is offered to grades 4-12. Approximately one million people become naturalized citizens of the United States each year, and the program gives students the opportunity to learn about the steps and requirements of the naturalization process. Like many of the other IKEducation programs, “Path to Naturalization” will be available to students onsite, online, or as part of our classroom outreach program.
Local students will be able to see what they’ve learned in action, as the Eisenhower Presidential Library will be hosting its first naturalization ceremony on September 17. The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony and celebrate our newest United States citizens.
The 2025-2026 Educator’s Guide details the IKEducation program offerings and will be available online at bit.ly/IKEdGuide
Newsweek Nomination
In July, Newsweek announced the nomination of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home for “Best Presidential Attraction” in its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the first time Abilene has been honored by Newsweek
“Being nominated by Newsweek tremendous honor,” said Todd Arrington, Director of the Library and Museum. “It’s a reflection of the important work we do to preserve and share the story of Dwight D. Eisenhower—one of America’s most admired leaders.”
Honoring Veterans
In May, The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum opened WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America. This inspirational showcase features 50 stunning largescale watercolor portraits by internationally acclaimed artist Mary Whyte, capturing the essence of today's heroes. WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America is on display in the Museum Special Gallery through December 2025.
In early August, Mary Whyte joined us for a reception to speak about her portrait project and sign copies of her book. She plans to return in November to lead an art program for veterans. We will also be hosting a special exhibit reception on November 7 during the Flint Hills Military History Symposium.
10th Bridge Benefit Held
In July, The Eisenhower Foundation and Abilene American Contract Bridge League (ABCL) hosted the 10th Annual Eisenhower Bridge Benefit in the Courtyard of the Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Proceeds from the bridge game benefit IKEducation, which provides programs free of charge to schools across the United States through onsite field trips, virtual learning opportunities, and classroom outreach. In total, $1,591.20 was raised.
Symphony at Sunset
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum partnered with the Salina Symphony to commemorate D-Day with the annual outdoor concert in June.
In addition to the symphony, there were special performances by the 1st Infantry Division Band, The Blades, a harpist in the Place of Meditation, and Fort Riley’s mounted color guard.
Throughout the day, The Eisenhower Foundation’s IKEducation team provided Hands on History carts at the museum, which gave visitors the opportunity to interact with Eisenhower-era history.
Symphony at Sunset was generously sponsored by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Marshall Motors, Kansas Gas Service, and the Friends of The Eisenhower Foundation.
As we continue to celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Eisenhower Foundation, I find myself reflecting on how much has been accomplished in such a short time. The past few months have been exhilarating, and I remain humbled by the generosity of our supporters from across the country.
Thanks to the dedication of those who still proudly “Like Ike,” we are making significant progress toward our fundraising goals. But there is still more to do – and we need your help.
That is why I am personally inviting you to join our campaign to honor the enduring legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. When you make a campaign gift by the end of 2025, your name will be included in a special, leatherbound book to be presented during the opening ceremonies of the new Education Center.
This grassroots effort is being powered by gifts both large and small from donors all over the nation – and even around the world.
Thank you for your consideration and thank you for helping secure another 80 years of sharing the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Meredith Sleichter Executive Director
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Pictured (left to right) are David Mills and Georgia Reynolds of the Abilene ACBL and tournament winners Elizabeth Jankord and Amit Chakrabarti of Manhattan, KS.
Photo courtesy of the Salina Symphony
Box 295
200 SE 4th Street
Abilene, Kansas 67410
www.eisenhowerfoundation.net
Laura Kelly, Honorary Chair
David Eisenhower, Chair Emeritus, Pennsylvania THE GOVERNOR OF KANSAS
Jason Thomas, Georgia
Darcy Frick Stewart, Kansas
Col. Jock Scharfen, USMC, Ret., Virginia
Thomas Sanchez, Washington, D.C.
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Nicholas Rostow, New York
Kerri S. Reisdorff, Missouri
Jeanette Prenger, Missouri
Nicolas W. Platt, New Jersey
Sue Peterson, Kansas
Randy R. Jurgensmeyer, Texas
Clark S. Judge, Michigan
Charles R. Ewald, California
Mary Jean Eisenhower, Kansas
Gen. Michael L. Dodson, USA, Ret., Kansas
Tim Holm, Secretary, Kansas
Kevin J. Rooney, Treasurer, Kansas
John R. Elmore, Vice Chair, Kansas
Kyle A. Campbell, Chair, Kansas
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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