ABILENE, KS — The Eisenhower Foundation (EF) has launched The Good Steward Campaign, a special fundraising effort to honor General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s youngest granddaughter, Mary Jean Eisenhower, of Abilene. This campaign will honor Mary Jean Eisenhower for her many years of stewardship of the Eisenhower legacy and career of advocating for peace and global cooperation through her leadership of People to People International.
In recognition of her outstanding service, the EF will name the largest space in the under-construction Eisenhower Education Center the Mary Jean Eisenhower Exploration Hall, scheduled to open in the summer of 2027. The campaign has a goal of $550,000 with a $266,000 dollar-for-dollar match being provided by friends of Mary Jean Eisenhower including members of the EF Board of Directors and Trustees.
The Good Steward campaign is active from now until December 31, 2026. The EF is in the final stage of the I Like Ike Capital Campaign and has achieved 97% of its $17 million goal. The EF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts gifts of cash, securities like stocks and bonds, and contributions from Kansas residents and businesses may be eligible for a 50% state tax credit.
“Mary Jean is the embodiment of a good steward,” said Meredith Sleichter, EF Executive Director. “Stewardship of the Eisenhower legacy is a task of national significance, and Mary Jean has embraced this with grace and passion. As she steps back from day-to-day service, we are thrilled to honor her service on our Board of Directors and lifelong stewardship of her family’s legacy. I call on all Ike supporters to make a gift in Mary Jean’s honor and take advantage of the incredible matching gift made possible by fellow stewards of this great American story,” said Sleichter.
“I am deeply honored by this unexpected tribute,” said Mary Jean Eisenhower. “My grandparent’s story is one that I feel young people should know, as they gave so many years of their lives in service to our country. Working on my granddad’s behalf through The Eisenhower Foundation, an organization he personally blessed when it was founded in 1945, is second nature to me, and I know it will continue to achieve great things,” said Eisenhower.
More information can be found at eisenhowerfoundation.net/good-steward-campaign. Questions may be directed to Tyler Habiger, Director of Development at 785-280-9531 or info@eisenhowerfoundation.net.
