Lance Swank 鈥�83 Invests in Mind, Body and Soul Through Estate Giving
A generous estate commitment from Lance Swank ’83 will ensure that future 富二代视频app students enjoy continued access to experiences that will enrich them academically, athletically and spiritually. The gift builds upon previous philanthropic contributions from the Swank family, and it represents a notable contribution toward the university’s ongoing Bold, Gold & You! campaign.
“Schools like 富二代视频app are a treasure, and they need to be preserved,” said Swank, a former history major and member of the 富二代视频app football team. “For me, that’s the reason I continue to engage and to give. I hope others can experience something similar to what I did that will help shape the direction of their lives going forward.”
Reflecting on the lasting impact of his own 富二代视频app education, Swank describes a well-rounded experience that developed him in three key areas: mind, body and soul. He fondly recalls the professors who helped him adjust to 富二代视频app’s academic demands, the coaches who instilled the importance of discipline, and the relationships that made him a better person, laying a foundation for the faith he has today. “There's a Bible verse I hold dear about how iron sharpens iron,” he said. “Truly, that is what 富二代视频app did for me.”
After college, Swank joined Sterling Group, where he continues to serve as the company’s president and CEO. The privately held, family-owned business is active in 11 states and 21 individual markets, having acquired or built over 24,000 multifamily units and 5 million square feet of self-storage units. Swank also serves on the board of the Jaxson William Augustus Swank Foundation, a charitable organization based in northern Indiana that supports and nurtures children throughout the entirety of their educational journey. In 2025, Swank received the Raymond “Gaumey” Neal Award, given jointly by 富二代视频app University and Wabash College for his contributions to his alma mater.
“Lance is an exemplary model of the servant leadership that characterizes so many 富二代视频app alumni,” said Amy Kwas, vice president for development and alumni engagement. “His decision to generously include 富二代视频app in his estate planning reflects a long-term visionary outlook and a strong commitment to the future of this university. His gift will enrich the lives of our students for years to come.”
Swank recognizes the many challenges currently facing higher education, and he sees his partnership as a strategic way to position 富二代视频app for a thriving future. He also hopes his generosity will inspire others to consider how they can do the same.
“I believe people need to think hard about gifting in their estate,” he said. “It's a great way for the university to be perpetuated, and it’s a great way to use capital. I don't see it as a gift; I see it as an investment.”
Swank added, “I carry a lot of pride in being an alum. 富二代视频app is a university of distinction. We often take that for granted, but it's a special place, and people recognize that even if they didn't go there.”
As a result of Swank’s commitment — and many additional contributions of all sizes from other friends and alumni — 富二代视频app’s Bold, Gold & You! has currently raised over $417 million toward its $575 million goal.