Celebrating Philanthropy: Paul E. Shaffer Medal presented to Ulmschneiders

Mark D. Ulmschneider and Georgia Wralstad Ulmschneider were presented with the Paul E. Shaffer Medal at the annual Celebrate Philanthropy Dinner on September 29 in the International Ballroom. The award was in recognition of their outstanding service, leadership, and generosity to Purdue Fort University Wayne. The Ulmschneiders also shared compelling stories about PFW students who excelled and are now pursuing rewarding careers thanks to scholarship support.

Chief Development Officer and Purdue Fort Wayne Foundation Chief Operating Officer B.J. Hull served as the event’s host.

“Building Together, our theme for this evening, in my opinion, is a very apt description of what it takes to make philanthropy successful,” Hull said. “Philanthropy requires motivated donors with dreams, it requires an investment worthy organization with plans and programs, and it often requires a facilitator to help bring these parties together and guide them through the process. 

“Over the years, I have learned that philanthropy is a tool that is capable of creating, fixing, and improving just about anything it is applied too. Here at PFW, we are going to apply this tool in new and improved ways in the coming years to ensure we help all of you fulfill your dreams for PFW and the Greater Fort Wayne region. Together, we are going to build a better student experience, a better university, and a better community.”

Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer opened his remarks by emphasizing that everyone present was a builder and how they were joining together to build a university that is getting stronger every day.

“We are an institution that is increasingly recognized for the quality of our academic programs, the success of our students, the passion of our alumni, the generosity of our donors, and the unbridled support of the community we serve,” Elsenbaumer said.

The chancellor also remarked about PFW’s strengthening alignment with Purdue University as evidenced by Fort Wayne hosting the Purdue Board of Trustees meeting in August for the first time in almost five years. Purdue President-designate Mung Chiang is also holding a series of meetings in Fort Wayne with PFW leaders later this month. Additionally, Elsenbaumer highlighted plans for expanding housing on campus, the continued renovation of the Doermer School of Business Building, and the plan to break ground on a music technology building in 2024.

“Your generosity helps our students pursue their dreams,” Elsenbaumer said. “It helps our university provide the first-rate academic programs and campus experiences our students so richly deserve. And it helps position our students for fulfilling careers and a lifetime of success following graduation right here in Fort Wayne.”

Mark Ulmschneider is a lawyer and active community member. He retired from Carson Boxberger LLP after 35 years of practice. During his career, he developed a specialized insurance practice that focused on defective premises, public risk, trucking, and all matters of insurance coverage.

Ulmschneider strives to recognize students for outstanding scholarship and promise in the field of political science. He has hired many interns and newly minted lawyers over the years and appreciates the creativity and work ethic of Purdue Fort Wayne students. As a result, Ulmschneider recently created the Ulmschneider Prize in Political Science to reward hardworking PFW students who have the potential to make outstanding contributions to the community.

Georgia Wralstad Ulmschneider, an associate professor and prelaw advisor at Purdue Fort Wayne, has taught political science at the university since 1983. She is known for her teaching style, passion, and awesome lectures — but her students also know she will “kick their butt” with essay tests and demands they come to class prepared and ready to engage. Due to her engagement with students and desire to see them excel, Wralstad Ulmschneider has become a great advocate and resource to assist students striving to get into law school.

In addition to their support of PFW, the Ulmschneiders have supported key area institutions such as the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the Embassy Theatre, Northeast Indiana Public Radio, and the Lutheran South Unity School with gifts through the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.