For 34 years, LuAnn (Wolfe) Davis has served as Union’s vice president for Advancement, and this summer, she will take a well earned retirement, joining her husband, Lynn, who retired in 2024. Jennifer (Rieke) Schall, a 2005 graduate, will be the next VP. Davis has mentored her as a possible successor since Schall returned to Union as director of major gifts in 2017.
Under Davis’ leadership, Union experienced extraordinary growth made possible by the partnership of committed trustees, generous donors and a deeply dedicated Advancement team. Together, these efforts resulted in philanthropic support totaling nearly $118 million, strengthening the university’s mission and positioning Union for the future.
One of the most significant developments during this time was the intentional integration of planned giving into the work of the Advancement Office. Philanthropy became a truly comprehensive program — embracing current, deferred and planned gifts. Through matured trusts and charitable gift annuities, Union received $3.1 million, with the market value of current gift annuities now totaling $1.2 million. In addition, $12.56 million was realized through wills and trusts — gifts that reflect deep confidence in Union’s mission and long-term impact.
The university’s endowment also saw remarkable growth, increasing from $1.7 million to $33.5 million today. This progress was driven by a strategic shift to broaden the purpose of the endowment beyond scholarships alone, establishing funds to support academic programs and essential operations alongside student support.
During this period, an active Alumni Association Board was re-established, providing meaningful leadership and partnership for the alumni office. For more than 30 years, this volunteer-driven group has played a vital role in fostering connection, pride and lifelong engagement among Union’s alumni.
Davis’ leadership also guided the successful completion of three major capital campaigns, resulting in the construction of the Ortner Center, the Krueger Center for Science and Mathematics, and the AdventHealth Complex — projects that continue to shape the daily experience of our students and campus community.
Between these campaigns, countless other projects strengthened Union in tangible ways. Campus renovations improved spaces such as Woods Auditorium, the Student Center, residence halls, classrooms, and 49ers Field. Investments were made in technology, debt was eliminated in the late-1990s, and student experiences were enhanced through the disaster response team, mission trips, athletics and a wide range of student programs. Together, these efforts reflect a legacy of stewardship, vision, and deep care for students — past, present and future.
“Every success in my career has been because of amazing people who love Union,” said Davis. “Our university has been blessed with the best alumni, parents, constituents and trustees who have made our mission their own, and I can not imagine my career without the amazing colleagues and friends who have worked beside me. I am continually blessed by the Union Spirit everywhere I find it.”
The Advancement Office has established the The Davis Tribute Fund for Student Scholarships, which will continue to help students as she has for 34 years as vice president. If you would like to contribute to it in honor of Davis, please visit https://uau.edu/davis-tribute where you will find a giving form as well as a form to share your stories about Davis’ years of dedicated service.
