Don and Sue Whitaker
Love for the Community
Sue and Don Whitaker (right) with Foundation President Emeritus Roni Johnson (left)
Don and Sue Whitaker have called Muncie their home since 1976. Kentucky natives Don and Sue attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where they each earned a doctorate before joining the faculty at Ball State University. They grew to love the community and began giving back right from the start. Don was the mathematical sciences department chair for 14 years and finished his career as the executive director of institutional effectiveness. Sue served as the home economics department chair, now known as family and consumer sciences, for 11 years. The Whitakers retired from Ball State in 2010 and decided that their love for the Muncie community was much too strong for them to depart.
To give back to the community that they came to know and love, the Whitakers became active members in many organizations. They have enjoyed being on the David Owsley Museum of Art advisory council, serving on the Muncie Symphony Orchestra board, and being involved with the local United Way. Sue has served on the YWCA of Central Indiana board and as the district governor for Altrusa. Don is an active member of the local Rotary Club. The Whitakers have both served on their neighborhood association board; Don is the past-president, and Sue was the secretary-treasurer. They are also members of First Presbyterian Church in Muncie, where they have served as elders and deacons. The Whitakers are hardworking members of the Muncie community. Sue explained it isn't unusual for them to have six meetings a week. They enjoy exploring local museums, going to First Thursdays, and attending many sporting events in their free time.
“By growing as much as it has and becoming a major fixture in Delaware County, it’s not difficult to talk to people and to point to all the different ways that The Community Foundation has benefited the community.”
Giving to The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County is one way the Whitakers show their love for the community. Don and Sue first heard of The Community Foundation from founding president, David Sursa.
"David did some gentle arm twisting," said Don with a smile as he talked about making their first financial gift. It didn't take long for the Whitakers to learn how wonderful The Community Foundation truly was. Sue explained that through her service on nonprofit boards, she saw the benefit of being on the Foundation's receiving end through grants and guidance. It gave the Whitakers an even greater appreciation for the Foundation. The Whitakers love that The Community Foundation gives them the ability to give back to the community in a plethora of ways.
In addition to spreading their love and financial support to The Community Foundation, the Whitakers also support many other institutions through philanthropy. They have established scholarships at Eastern Kentucky University, The University of Kentucky, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ball State University.
"Giving back to the community and the institutions where we earned our degrees means a lot," said Don. "That's certainly how we define our own philanthropy."
When asked about where they hope to see The Community Foundation in years to come, Don replied, "More of the same."
The Whitakers explained that they have loved watching The Community Foundation grow, especially in the last ten years. They have seen significant growth in the number of funds the Foundation manages and an overall increase in assets throughout the years. Don explained how grateful they are for the phenomenal growth of the Foundation's assets because of the many ways the community benefits from them.
By trusting The Community Foundation with their acts of philanthropy, the Whitakers know they will continue to make a difference in the community.
"By growing as much as it has and becoming a major fixture in Delaware County, it's not difficult to talk to people and to point to all the different ways that The Community Foundation has benefited the community."
Don and Sue Whitaker’s story was originally shared in 2021.
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