Michael and Barbara Scudder (Provided photo)CHICAGO — DePaul University is advancing essential health science and athletics programs thanks to a $3 million gift from Michael and Barbara Scudder.
The commitment establishes the Michael and Barbara Scudder Endowed Chair, a full-time faculty member position directing the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences and Professions, which consists of the Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology programs in the College of Science and Health. It also supports the construction of a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility, which will provide the university’s student-athletes and coaches with the necessary resources to train, recruit and compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
Michael Scudder currently serves as DePaul University Board of Trustees chair. An alumnus who earned his MBA at DePaul in 1993, he has been a Trustee since 2017. He retired as executive chairman of the board of Old National Bancorp in 2024 following a 38-year career in commercial banking. He and his wife, Barbara, have given generously to many programs and funds at DePaul, including the Michael L. and Barbara H. Scudder Endowed Scholarship, which supports finance students in the Driehaus College of Business.
“Mike and Barb are visionary leaders, committed to creating programs of excellence that prepare students to excel. Rooted in DePaul’s Catholic, Vincentian mission, this gift strengthens our role as a university that transforms lives through education, service and leadership,” DePaul President Robert L. Manuel said. “Mike and Barb’s generosity ensures that our students — whether training to be health professionals or competing as student athletes — have the tools, mentorship and opportunities to thrive. I am deeply grateful for their support and dedication to DePaul’s future.”
Kate Barrett showcases the OT educational space to community members (Photo by Jeff Carrion/DePaul University)DePaul’s
Occupational Therapy (OT) and
Speech Language Pathology (SLP) master’s programs are relatively new additions to graduate-level coursework at the university. Housed together in a cutting-edge facility on the Lincoln Park Campus, the unique programs give students expert training in clinical settings and through fieldwork placements with community partners under the mentorship of faculty who are professionally licensed practitioners.
OT students learn how to help children and adults with various developmental physical, cognitive and psychological conditions and graduate fully prepared to work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics and private practice.
Under the supervision of faculty members, SLP students provide services to children and adults in a clinic open to the general public, acquiring expertise in diagnosing and treating speech, language and swallowing disorders.
The College of Science and Health recently merged the programs into a new Department of Rehabilitative Sciences and Professions, creating meaningful opportunities for interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice, research and student engagement.
“At DePaul, we believe real-world experiences, community engagement and service to others are integral in preparing students to become agents of change in their future careers,” said College of Science and Health Dean Stephanie Dance-Barnes. “The creation of this faculty position will enhance our programs and benefit the health and wellness of vulnerable individuals and communities alike.”
The basketball practice facility, part of DePaul’s Dream Big campaign, will also positively impact enrollment and tuition revenue, retention, ancillary revenues and philanthropic support — benefiting both academic programs and the student-athletes accessing it. The practice facility will feature dedicated courts for men’s and women’s basketball as well as health and wellness resources for all DePaul student-athletes.
DePaul will name the men’s basketball lounge in the facility in recognition of the Scudders’ generosity.
“Our entire university will benefit from a healthy, vibrant athletics program,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. “At the same time, the forward-thinking generosity of donors like Mike and Barb Scudder will empower our student-athletes and coaches to work together toward common goals and achieve the best possible outcomes in their sport.”
The cumulative impact of the Scudders’ gift, consequently, is one that encompasses and strengthens the health and wellness of countless individuals, from Division I competitors to the next generation of healthcare therapists, from first-generation college students to patients receiving care in community clinics.
“DePaul makes a difference every day for students from all walks of life and for the communities, professions and industries they will go on to serve,” Michael Scudder said. “It’s an easy and fulfilling decision for Barbara and me to pitch in however we can to help DePaul achieve those goals, which ultimately benefit all of us.”
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