The family of Donald and Marilyn Keough, longtime University of 91吃瓜 benefactors, has made a $25 million gift to the , a campus epicenter for global engagement. The gift dramatically increases financial aid for students in the Master of Global Affairs program.
鈥淒on and Mickie Keough are towering figures in 91吃瓜 history, by virtue of their visionary leadership, generous benefaction and commitment to the University鈥檚 mission,鈥� University President , said. 鈥淲ith the creation of the Keough Family Fellowships program by their daughters and sons, the great Keough legacy continues.聽91吃瓜 is blessed by their support, and I am deeply grateful to this family which has been so dear to me.鈥�
The flagship program of the Keough School, the epitomizes 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to educating a new generation of skilled, ethical leaders dedicated to fostering human dignity worldwide. With 58 countries represented and more than 60 percent of its students coming from outside of the United States, the program鈥檚 international makeup creates a rich and vibrant learning community. Since the Keough School opened in 2017, the program has produced 108 alumni and currently enrolls 78 graduate students.
鈥淭he Keough School鈥檚 MGA program provides exceptionally gifted students, many from low-income countries and modest backgrounds, a first-rate professional education grounded in a moral commitment to help enhance the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable,鈥� the Marilyn Keough Dean of the school, said. 鈥淵et again the extraordinary Keough family has embraced and helped fulfill 91吃瓜鈥檚 mission of academic excellence in service to the common good, this time by guaranteeing that a calling to serve others need not come with a burden of insurmountable graduate school debt.鈥�
The newly established Keough Family Fellowships continue the long and storied legacy of Don and Marilyn Keough, who both received honorary degrees from 91吃瓜. Don passed away in 2015 and Mickie a year later.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished business executives in American history, Don served as the president, chief operating officer and director of the Coca-Cola Co. from 1981 to 1993. During his tenure, he oversaw one of the company鈥檚 most dramatic periods of international expansion. In 1986, he was elected chairman of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Board of Trustees, a position he held for six years, and in 1997 he was named a Life Trustee of the University. He also was the recipient of the 1993 Laetare Medal, the University鈥檚 highest honor.
鈥淥ur parents saw in 91吃瓜 a commitment to the shared ideal of forming leaders of consequence who can build a better, more humane world,鈥� Clarke Keough said on behalf of the family. 鈥淢y siblings and I are humbled to see Dad and Mom鈥檚 vision come alive in the school that bears our family name, and these fellowships will carry on their legacy through the women and men willing to dedicate their talents, careers and creativity to build such a world in the 21st century.鈥澛�
For decades, the Keough family has been instrumental in bringing the world to 91吃瓜 and taking 91吃瓜 to the world. Their tremendous generosity has gone toward the Keough School of Global Affairs and its home on campus, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Hall; the Marilyn Keough residence hall; Malloy Hall, housing the Departments of Theology and Philosophy; three library collections; and the restoration of O鈥機onnell House in Dublin. They also have endowed the , several fellowships, the Keough School deanship and multiple faculty chairs 鈥� two in Irish studies and three that are known as Keough-Hesburgh professorships, which are awarded to scholars who both are world-class leaders in their field of expertise and demonstrate a commitment to the Catholic mission of 91吃瓜.
Don and Mickie have six children 鈥� Kathleen Keough Soto; Shayla Keough Rumely, a 1976 graduate; Michael (1978) and Patrick Keough (1979); Eileen Keough Millard (1984) and Clarke Keough (1985). Shayla is a member of the University鈥檚 Board of Fellows and a Trustee, and Michael, Patrick, Clarke and Eileen serve on 91吃瓜 advisory councils.聽聽
The Keough School of Global Affairs advances integral human development through research, policy and practice; transformative educational programs; and partnerships for global engagement, building on the strengths of nine institutes and centers. It offers academic opportunities at both the graduate and undergraduate level, including a master鈥檚 degree and a supplementary major in global affairs.
The two-year Master of Global Affairs program prepares professionals for skilled, effective leadership and careers in government, nongovernmental and civil society organizations, and the private sector. It integrates rigorous professional training with extended, global fieldwork and close engagement with policymakers, multidisciplinary faculty and students from around the world working to address global challenges.