Evans’ family worked with Drew to honor his legacy, interests
April 2021 – For more than half a century, Jack Evans was dedicated to Drew University, first as a friendly neighbor, then as a trustee, and, finally, as a trustee emeritus. He passed away in November 2020 at the age of 93, but his devotion to Drew continued in the form of a generous donation from his estate.
Evans’ daughter, Laura, collaborating with Bret Silver, vice president for University Advancement, has ensured that the bequest will benefit the University while also appropriately commemorating her father’s legacy on campus. Together they’ve been able to honor Jack Evans in a unique and meaningful way.
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Befitting Evans’ interest in quantitative subjects and his passion for computers, his gift is being used to endow a named professorship in the Drew University Mathematics and Computer Science Department.
Sarah Abramowitz, who currently serves as chair of the department, has been named as the inaugural John H. Evans Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science.
“I’m honored to have been named to this endowed professorship,” said Abramowitz.
“Jack Evans left an impressive legacy of philanthropy and dedication to Drew, and I look forward to continuing his legacy through my work with Drew’s students, staff, faculty, and administration. This generous gift will benefit the Drew community for generations to come.”
Evans’ gift also provides generous funding for math and computer science faculty and research over the next several years, to be administered by Provost Jessica Lakin.
Jack Evans served on Drew’s Board of Trustees from 1970 to 2000 before being named a trustee emeritus, a role he held and embraced until his passing. In 1986, he established a charitable remainder annuity trust to help provide for Drew’s future.
Evans initially connected with Drew University through their shared hometown of Madison, New Jersey. Jack was raised in Madison and returned to the area after serving in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He raised a family of three children with his wife Barbara, and he owned and operated the Evans Realty Company in Madison.
As Evans noted in a letter to a fellow Trustee in 2013, “My relationship with Drew goes back to my childhood in Madison. The then-‘college’ has come a long way and I believe it has a strong and important future. I miss being there and have a remainder trust that goes to Drew when we are no longer here.”
Laura Evans echoed her father’s sentiments.
“Drew held a very special place in my dad’s life. He would be so happy to know that his gift is helping the University.”
