Pete (’61) and Dixie (’62,’67) Mahurin were recently honored as WKU’s 2011 Philanthropists of the Year at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon in Lexington.
The Mahurins are some of WKU’s most dedicated alumni, volunteers and faithful philanthropists, as they have made gifts for 41 consecutive years and have supported 35 different programs at WKU.
Their leadership gifts created the Mahurin Endowed Professorship in Gifted Studies, which allows Dr. Julia Roberts, director of The Center for Gifted Studies, to pursue enhanced teaching and research opportunities. It is one of only a few endowed professorships in gifted studies in the United States.
The Mahurins also pledged a significant gift in 2010 to relocate and operate the headquarters of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children to WKU. The gift provides funding for staff, equipment, supplies and other needs of the World Council during the five-year contract period between WKU and the organization.
Pete Mahurin is Board Chairman for Hilliard-Lyons Inc., in Bowling Green. Dixie Mahurin serves as Director of WKU’s Academic-Athletic Support.
WKU President Gary Ransdell (left) and AFP Board Chair David Cupps (right) present the WKU Philanthropists of the Year Award to Pete and Dixie Mahurin.
Previous recipients of the WKU Philanthropist of the Year Award are Don Greulich, Suzanne Vitale, Jerry Baker, Gordon Ford, Lowell Guthrie, Bud Layne, Leon Page, Don Vitale, Rick and Ann Guillaume, and Raymond and Hattie Preston and the Preston Family Foundation.
National Philanthropy Day is organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), which represents 30,000 fundraisers in more than 197 chapters throughout the world. AFP works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. Established in 1985, the AFP Bluegrass Chapter includes more than 120 members representing a wide variety of non-profit organizations and fundraising expertise throughout Central and Eastern Kentucky.
