IKE INSIGHT
FEBRUARY 2026
Thanks to you — our generous supporters — The Eisenhower Foundation met its $10,000 Giving Tuesday goal, unlocking a $10,000 match from the BeachEdwards Family Foundation. These funds will be used to support Ike’s Field Trip Fund, which helps provide travel grants to schools from around the state who visit the Eisenhower Library & Museum campus.
us at info@eisenhowerfoundation.net to be added to our E-News!
Campaign Enters Final Stretch
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, The Eisenhower Foundation has reached a pivotal moment in the capital campaign to build the new Eisenhower Education Center in Abilene, Kansas. More than $15.4 million has been raised toward the $17 million goal, leaving $1.6 million remaining to complete the project.
That progress reflects an extraordinary level of support over the past year, including a strong response in December when donors stepped forward during a matching challenge that accelerated the campaign. That momentum has brought the Education Center to this final stage.
Because of this progress, the Education Center is moving forward to a spring groundbreaking, marking a major milestone years in the making. Purpose-built for civic education and leadership learning, the Center will expand the Foundation’s ability to engage students, educators, and visitors through immersive, hands-on experiences rooted in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s values. The new facility will include:
• A full-scale Oval Office Classroom
• A Command Center inspired by historic leadership spaces
• A Learning Lab connecting creativity with problem-solving
• An Immersion Theater designed to engage and inspire
• A Global Studio for IKE Online
Interest in IKEducation continues to grow, and educators across the country are using IKEducation classroom resources. The Education Center will build on this momentum, providing the space and tools needed to meet demand at greater scale.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, this milestone represents more than fundraising progress—it reflects a shared commitment to preparing future generations for citizenship and leadership.
Thank you for helping bring the Eisenhower Education Center closer to completion.
The Education Center is set to break ground this spring, thanks to our generous supporters.
New Board Members and Trustees Appointed
The Eisenhower Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of new members to its Board of Directors and Trustees.
Elected to the Board of Directors were Mark Schlipman of Illinois, and Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler, U.S. Army, Ret. of Kansas.
New Trustees are Adriana Echavarria of New York; Tim Holm of Kansas; and Rob Riggle of California.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors serves as the organization’s governing body, providing strategic leadership, fiscal oversight, and policy direction. Trustees complement this work by serving as national ambassadors who broaden awareness, connect the Foundation to new audiences, and help advance its mission through advocacy and relationships.
Board Member Mark Schlipman is the founder of Schlipman Wealth Advisors and a Partner with Carson Group, a nationally recognized registered investment adviser (RIA). His independent wealth management firm serves families and business owners. Mark holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations and works closely with clients on retirement,
tax, and business-exit planning. He is also co-author of The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom, an Amazon #1 best-selling book on personal finance, and is actively involved in civic and philanthropic initiatives in the Midwest.
Board member Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler, U.S. Army, Ret. completed a distinguished 32year military career with deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He is the Executive Director of the Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army Museum Foundation and serves as the Chair of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army Board of Advisors. Other nonprofit volunteer service includes being the immediate past president of the Kansas Society Sons of the American Revolution and past Chair of the Command and General Staff College Foundation Board of Trustees. Wampler is a graduate of Emporia State University, Baker University, and the U.S. Army War College.
Trustee Adriana Echavarria is a greatgranddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and a fine arts photographer with more than 25 years of professional experience. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States,
Europe, and South America. Raised in New York, she studied photojournalism at the University of Miami. Adriana is actively engaged in philanthropic and civic leadership and served on the boards of American Friends of Fundación Cardio Infantil (Colombia), The Josephine Herrick Project (New York City), and The Gettysburg Foundation.
Trustee Tim Holm is a longtime community leader and advocate for Eisenhower’s legacy with deep roots in Abilene. His business experience and commitment to civic engagement have made him an influential supporter of regional initiatives and nonprofit organizations. Holm previously served as a trusted partner on the Board of Directors and now brings that valuable insight to his new role as Trustee.
Trustee Lt. Col. Rob Riggle, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. is a renowned actor, writer, producer, and director who served 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His military service included deployments to Albania, Kosovo, Liberia, and Afghanistan, where he earned more than 22 medals and ribbons. A native of Kansas, Riggle is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Webster University.
Mark Schlipman Bryan W. Wampler
Tim Holm Rob Riggle
Annual Legacy Gala
The Eisenhower Foundation commemorated its 80th anniversary during October’s Legacy Gala. In the 80 years since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Foundation, our country and world have seen many changes, but one thing has remained consistent: Ike’s guiding principles continue to lead our organization to new heights.
The keynote speaker, Mack Teasley, spoke on Ike’s impact while discussing his new book The Real Ike: Eisenhower Fact & Fiction. Teasley is the former Deputy Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and former Executive Director of The Eisenhower Foundation.
Tim Holm, outgoing member of the Board of Directors, was recognized for his years of service to The Eisenhower Foundation and was welcomed to the Board of Trustees.
Meredith’s Memo
As we reflect on the year behind us, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Thanks to your generosity and belief in our mission, 2025 was truly a momentous year for The Eisenhower Foundation. Together, we reached 85 percent of our fundraising goal—an extraordinary milestone that brings us closer than ever to realizing our shared vision.
Because of your support, we will break ground on the new Education Center this spring. This long-anticipated project represents a significant investment in the future of civic education and leadership, and we are excited to share more details with you in this issue of IKE Insight.
This year also marks a historic moment for our nation as we begin the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. We are honored to contribute to this once-in-a-generation commemoration by highlighting President Eisenhower’s enduring legacy and its relevance to the challenges and opportunities of today. You can read more about how we are participating in this national milestone on the following page.
As always, none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for your loyalty, your trust, and your continued partnership in our work. Your support makes a lasting difference.
Meredith Sleichter Executive Director
Honoring Veterans Through Art
Fifty powerful, large-scale watercolor portraits by renowned artist Mary Whyte are on currently on display in the Eisenhower Museum Special WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in features service members from all walks of life and from all 50 states.
The exhibit dates have been extended to March 22, 2026.
Capital Campaign. by keynote speaker Mack Teasley.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Sailors Honored With Leadership Awards
Each year, the Eisenhower Foundation honors two sailors from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) at the annual Legacy Gala in October.
The President Eisenhower Award recognizes the leadership and service a sailor exhibits in their community. The 2025 recipient was IC1 Ian Bogan.
IC1 Ian Bogan joined the United States Navy from his home of record, Cary, NC. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2010. His operational tours include serving as Leading Petty Officer during the commissioning of USS Arlington (LPD 24), Engineering Department LPO aboard USS Typhoon (PC 5) in Bahrain, and currently as Combat Systems Interior Communication Division LPO aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). His shore tour includes assignments as Instructor, Student Coordinator and Testing Officer for Interior Communication Electrician “A” and “C” Schools at Surface Combat Systems Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, where he earned his Master Training Specialist qualification. Personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), Good Conduct Medal (four), and various campaign and unit awards.
The General Eisenhower Award recognizes military leadership and service. This is awarded to a sailor for contributions while aboard the USS IKE. The 2025 recipient was Lt. Peter Sackett.
Lt. Sackett, a native of Rhinelander, WI, holds bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Chemistry and a master’s degree in Public Health. He enlisted in the United States Army in May 2004. Upon completing infantry school, he reported to the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team where he completed multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2021, he completed Officer Development School (ODS) at Naval Station Newport, RI, and began his first assignment at NMRTC Okinawa as a division officer, leading one officer and eight civilians. There, LT Sackett directly supported military readiness, promoting and maintaining the health of Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Marine Air Wing. In 2024, he would begin his operational tour aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as the Assistant Safety Officer. Personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two), and the Combat Action Ribbon, in addition to multiple campaign and service medals.
Celebrating America 250 in the classroom
As our country unites to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, The Eisenhower Foundation and IKEducation are proud to support educators with meaningful, engaging classroom resources that help students connect with our nation’s history and values. As part of this commitment, we have launched three exciting initiatives designed to inspire learning, creativity, and civic pride.
Our Flag, Unity for All: Teachers can receive a free U.S. flag, along with educational resources that deepen students’ understanding of the flag and its significance as a powerful national symbol. This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Estate of Douglas R. Price.
30 Seconds. One Nation. Your Voice: IKEducation is inviting students to participate in a contest sharing what America means to them through video, art, or other creative expressions. This contest encourages young people to reflect on our nation’s values, celebrate their creativity, and engage in civic pride during this historic milestone year.
Ticket to History: In partnership with the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, K-12 students can receive a voucher for free admission to the Eisenhower Museum in 2026. This initiative provides an opportunity to experience exhibits firsthand and uncover stories that shaped America.
IC1 Ian Bogan Lt. Peter Sackett