Eighty years ago, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe during World War II, accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, and May 8, 1945, became known around the world as Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day.

A month later, during his Guildhall Address, General Eisenhower told a crowd in London, “Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.” He had witnessed the horrors of the most deadly conflict in human history and knew the reality of what victory meant for so many soldiers who never returned home. 

Continuing on a victory tour, Ike–as he had become known around the world–was met by thousands who wanted to thank him and the Allied Forces for bringing peace to the war-torn world.

Americans were so grateful to General Eisenhower and all World War II veterans that, just a few weeks after V-E Day on June 22, 1945, the Eisenhower Foundation was established. A grassroots effort led by citizens began with the mission to ensure that the stories and values from the Greatest Generation were passed on to future Americans. Your support, along with thousands of others throughout our long history, has helped us share these lessons for 80 years.

A Special Opportunity: Securing the Next 80 Years

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Eisenhower Foundation, I am excited to announce the launch of the I Like Ike Capital Campaign. The centerpiece of this campaign is an Education Center—a place where history, innovation, and inspiration converge. This state-of-the-art 14,000 square-foot expansion will embody Ike’s values of leadership, service, and integrity, passing them on to future generations. The Education Center will welcome thousands of students served annually through our K-12 IKEducation program, plus dedicated space for our growing online platform.

We are proud to share that lead gifts have been secured from the Sunderland Foundation, the Patterson Family Foundation, and our Board of Directors and Trustees who have collectively pledged $1,000,000 to the campaign. With your help, we can raise an additional $1,000,000 to unlock a 2:1 matching grant from the State of Kansas, adding $3,000,000 to the campaign. These contributions are not just gifts—they are investments in the future Ike’s legacy and the values he championed.

We have set an ambitious goal of raising $1,000,000 by June 22, 2025, the Foundation’s 80th anniversary. To meet this goal, we need your help.

Can I count on you to make a gift in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Eisenhower Foundation and our commitment to share Ike’s legacy with future generations? If you make a commitment before June 22, 2025, your name will be entered into a leather-bound book that will be presented during the Grand Opening ceremonies, and will remain on permanent display for future generations to see.

This means your name will be linked forever with President Eisenhower!

Will you make a gift to honor the Eisenhower Foundation’s 80th anniversary and my grandfather’s extraordinary legacy? Your gift will be matched by our Board of Directors and Trustees. The non-profit Eisenhower Foundation depends on the generosity of our friends, like you, so your gifts are more important than ever before.

Thank you for your continued support over the years. The Eisenhower Foundation and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum would not be where we are today without the support of donors across the world who “Like Ike.”

Yours Truly,
Mary Jean Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Eisenhower & Foundation Board Member