Pillars of Philanthropy: A Night of Gratitude

Pillars of Philanthropy: Night of Gratitude

On April 25, 2024, McMurry hosted its second annual Pillars of Philanthropy dinner, an event that acknowledges and celebrates our most committed donors and the pivotal role they play in the University’s success. This year’s event was held in the reimagined Garrison United Methodist Campus Center following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility.

During the event, 10 individuals were inducted into the Trailblazer Society, a giving society founded in 2018 that recognizes individuals with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more. Twenty individuals, organizations, and foundations were also inducted into the newly established S.M. and Inez Jay Society, the University’s most prestigious giving society that honors those whose lifetime contributions total $1 million or more.

Learn more about The Jay Society

The special night of gratitude culminated in honoring Mrs. Dian Graves Stai with the John Wesley Award, the University’s most esteemed philanthropic award for individuals who embody the spirit of the John Wesley tenet: “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can.”

John Wesley Award Honoree Dian Graves Stai

Diain Graves Stai: A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

As only the ninth recipient of McMurry’s John Wesley Award, Mrs. Stai joins an exclusive group of individuals whose philanthropy has profoundly benefited McMurry and their communities. Her impact on McMurry University and the broader community is truly remarkable.

Serving on the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1993, she exemplified dedication and leadership. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law by the University in 1988. Her commitment to McMurry was further demonstrated through her role as co-chair of the Shaping the Future Capital Campaign, which led to the transformative renovation of Old Main in 2014. Additionally, her foundation was pivotal as the lead donor to the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business campaign in 2017, reinforcing her dedication to advancing education and innovation. In 2018, McMurry was honored to have Mrs. Stai as the speaker at the Dr. Sandra S. Harper Women’s Leadership Luncheon, and in 2023, she was named one of McMurry’s 100.

Beyond her involvement with McMurry, Mrs. Stai’s civic contributions have significantly impacted the greater Abilene community. Serving on the boards of various organizations, including the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, United Way of Abilene, and St. John’s Episcopal School, she demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy. Her impact was further recognized in 1997 when she was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Stai’s philanthropic endeavors also helped establish essential institutions such as the Abilene Psychiatric Center and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, an extension of McMurry University.

Dian Graves Stai embodies the essence of servant leadership, through her selfless dedication and tireless advocacy for the betterment of others. She consistently puts the needs of others before her own, seeking to uplift and empower those around her. Her leadership serves as an example of the profound impact that individuals can make when guided by a genuine desire to serve others and create extraordinary change.

John Wesley Philanthropy Award

True to the Wesley tenet of servanthood and responsibility for the welfare of others, the John Wesley Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and philanthropy to McMurry University or to the causes and needs that complement the institution’s mission as a Christian university. Those who receive the award exemplify good ethical and moral character commensurate with the ideals of the institution.