Jordan Anderson ’10 earned his Butler undergraduate degree in Journalism, gaining skills he now uses every day in his work as a Director of Executive Communications at Cummins Inc. Through mentorship from Butler faculty and years of honing his writing skills at The Butler Collegian, Anderson acquired the hands-on experience needed to prepare him for a successful career. Now, as a member of the College of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board, he helps to ensure future Butler students have access to the same kinds of transformational learning experiences he did. Earlier this year, Anderson and his spouse, Craig Frawley, made a decision to include the College of Communication Dean’s Priority Needs Fund in their estate plans. Anderson says it brings peace of mind knowing they have made plans that will ensure generosity is part of their legacy and that the learning opportunities he cherished are passed on to future generations of students.

 Why is Butler special to you?

Butler isn’t just where I earned my degree—it’s where I found my voice, my purpose and a community that believed in me. It taught me what it means to be independent and to work hard for something you believe in. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt seen and supported. The relationships I built with professors, mentors and classmates shaped not only my career but also the kind of person I strive to be. Butler taught me to lead with integrity, communicate with empathy and always look for ways to serve and give back. That’s why I spent four years on the Young Alumni Board—including a fourth term as president—and joined the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Communication when the inspiring Dean Joseph Valenzano took the helm. Butler continues to inspire me and giving back feels like the most natural way to say thank you.

How did your Butler student experience shape your life?

My time at Butler laid the foundation for everything that followed. As a student in the College of Communication (technically the School of Journalism—CCOM came along the year after I graduated), I learned the importance of mentorship, the value of challenging our brains and our assumptions and the power of storytelling—how it connects people, drives change and builds community. Working long, late and fulfilling nights at The Butler Collegian, participating in club sports and serving as a student staff member for the School of Journalism taught me the importance of hard work, prioritization, and work-life integration. Those lessons have stuck with me throughout my career and fueled my desire for leadership, leading to several roles in corporate communications—roles I love that leverage my strengths and values but also push me to grow and discover new passions. Butler’s emphasis on character development and community engagement helped me grow not just academically but personally. I left campus with confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of responsibility to use my voice for impact and the greater good.

What prompted you to think about documenting a planned gift?

Craig and I have always believed in giving with intention. When we started thinking about our legacy, Butler—for all the reasons above—was at the top of the list. When a place gives you so much—an education, lifelong friendships and a sense of purpose—you want the same experience for others. Documenting a planned gift felt like a meaningful way to ensure future Bulldogs have access to the same transformative experience. We wanted to make a lasting impact, and planned giving allows us to do that in a way that aligns with our values (and hopefully inspires a few future Bulldogs along the way).

Why did you choose to direct your gift to support the CCOM Dean’s Fund? 

Supporting the Dean’s Fund allows us to invest in the future of CCOM—whether that’s through scholarships, innovative programming or resources that help students thrive. We trust the leadership to use the funds where they’re needed most, based on how the industry, technology, and external factors are shaping education and the workforce/environment students are entering. We’re excited to be part of a legacy that empowers the next generation of communicators. Plus, it’s nice to know our gift might help someone discover their own love for storytelling (or at least survive a few late nights at The Collegian).

Do you have any advice for someone considering a planned gift to Butler?

It might sound cheesy, but start with your heart. Think about the moments, mentors and memories that made your Butler experience special. Planned giving isn’t just about finances—it’s about impact, and the feeling of knowing you’re helping future students is incredibly rewarding. The process is simpler than you might think and gives you the ability to plan for a gift alongside other important elements of your life, retirement and legacy. It’s about ensuring the values and opportunities you cherished continue to live on—and that’s pretty cool. Craig and I are proud to be part of the Fairview Heritage Society, and we hope others will join us in building a legacy of generosity.

The Fairview Heritage Society honors alumni and friends who have made a commitment to the future of Butler University through their wills and other planned gifts. Learn more about planned giving.