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APSU’s Annual Scholarship Donor Dinner honors Wayne Ard, Ron Morton

Austin Peay State University - APSUClarksville, TN – On April 26th, during Austin Peay State University’s Annual Scholarship Donor Dinner, Wayne Ard, and his late wife, Marianne, and Ron Morton were honored for their strong support of the University.

Ard, president of Ard Construction,received the 2016 Tennessee Board of Regents’ Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. Morton, owner of the largest number of H&R Block franchises in the country, was presented with the University’s 2016 Academic Advocate Award.

APSU President Alisa White, Wayne Ard and former APSU President Oscar Page. (Robert Smith | APSU Public Relations and Marketing)
APSU President Alisa White, Wayne Ard and former APSU President Oscar Page. (Robert Smith | APSU Public Relations and Marketing)

Wayne and Marianne Ard began supporting Austin Peay in the late 1980s, when Ard Construction donated the profits from one of its houses to the APSU Foundation.

Over the years, the couple hosted popular gatherings for the University, and Marianne remained a constant presence on several APSU committees, including the Candlelight Ball committee.

Last year, shortly after Marianne passed away, Ard made a major financial gift to Austin Peay, which will provide scholarships in Marianne’s name for several generations of deserving students.

“Austin Peay is a stronger University thanks to the Ards’ love and generosity,” Dr. Alisa White, APSU president, said. “We are fortunate to have this family as one of our key supporters.”

Morton (’70), a former APSU cross-country team standout, and his wife, Andrea, made a significant donation to the University in 2012 to provide scholarships for Olympic-sport athletes. One of the stipulations of their gift is that the recipients have to perform some form of community service.

“The Mortons are helping build a new generation of empathetic leaders here at Austin Peay, and I’m excited to see how their spirit will continue to flourish in the lives of our students,” White said.

For information on how to give to APSU, contact the University’s Office of Advancement at 931.221.7127 or advancement@apsu.edu

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