On Friday, September 10, Butler University celebrated the official naming of Bill and Joanne Dugan Hall in honor of a $7 million multi-year commitment from Bill Dugan ʼ51. Dugan Hall is home to the Andre B. Lacy School of Business, the Office of Career and Professional Success, and the recently formed Butler Beyond Transformation Lab. The afternoon ceremony included remarks from Dugan, Butler University President James Danko, and Lacy School of Business student Emma Ryan ʼ22, among others. 

In his remarks, Dugan expressed his love and appreciation for his late wife Joanne, his daughter and son-in-law Candy and Neal Stock, and his granddaughters. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Dugan also made special mention of his Butler classmates, many of whom were veterans of World War II, noting his appreciation for the service and sacrifice by his classmates and all veterans in defense of freedom.

“If it wasn’t for these veterans and many, many more, we wouldn’t be here today enjoying this building and the freedoms that we have. So, a word of thanks to all the veterans of all the wars,” Dugan said.

Butler University Executive Director of Principal Gifts Graham Honaker shared remarks about Dugan’s successful career and his legacy as a leader and family man of great character and integrity who exhibits the values of The Butler Way. Honaker noted Dugan’s longtime support of Butler basketball and his previous gift to support the renovation of Hinkle Fieldhouse, which resulted in the naming of the Dawg Pound student section in honor of Joanne.

“I’ve been in higher education for most of my life and I’ve never known a finer individual than Bill Dugan,” Honaker said. “We are so proud that your name and Joanne’s name will stand for the next century on Butler’s campus with the likes of Hinkle, Lilly, Clowes, Ross, and Jordan. There’s no one more deserving.”

President Danko noted Dugan’s humility and shared that when he congratulated Dugan on his successful business career, Dugan was quick to attribute his achievements to great teamwork with his colleagues and family. Danko remarked that Dugan’s attitude is a powerful example for today’s students and that the habit of putting the team above self is a value Butler hopes to instill in its students.

“We’re so grateful that a person like Bill would step forward and make such a generous donation because this is the type of individual we want to be affiliated with. We’re so grateful to have this building now named for Bill and Joanne Dugan,” Danko said.

Employees from Dugan’s Evansville-based company Sign Crafters, Inc. came to campus earlier in the week to install new signage on the exterior facade of the building. Dugan now has an office on the fourth floor of Dugan Hall, where he will serve as a Senior Advisor to the Andre B. Lacy School of Business. Interim Dean Craig Caldwell urged students and faculty to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from Dugan’s experience and expertise.

Ryan ʼ22, who is double majoring in finance and marketing, shared remarks about the impact her Lacy School of Business experience has had on her life, and she expressed appreciation to Dugan for investing in that meaningful educational experience for herself and others. She presented Dugan with a gift on behalf of the students: a framed photo of Dugan Hall signed by current students.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dugan was presented with an honorary key to the building from Board Chair Keith Faller ʼ71, MBA ʼ78. The ceremony took place in the Founders Circle Atrium, named for the 12 Founders Circle families who donated $1 million or more to support the construction of Dugan Hall. The space was filled with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and many of Dugan’s family and friends.