Nov. 6, 2026
Contact: Shayne Martin, shayne.martin@missouri.edu
For decades, Frank Shelden and Val Lawlor have supported the University of Missouri through philanthropy, volunteer leadership and a shared commitment to helping Tigers succeed.
Now, they're building on that legacy with a $5 million planned gift that will support medical education, athletics and student life.
Shelden, BS Ed '77, and Lawlor, BA '89, joined university leadership today to announce the gift, which will support Power the Roar, Mizzou's historic $2 billion fundraising campaign.
“Frank Shelden and Val Lawlor's incredible leadership advances a legacy of service that strengthens the university’s land-grant mission,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Their investments in excellence will transform lives and make a difference for Missourians and future generations of students.”
Shelden and Lawlor's dedication to Mizzou extends well beyond financial contributions. Both currently serve on the Power the Roar Campaign Leadership Committee and have contributed their time and expertise to previous university fundraising campaigns. Lawlor has also served as a consultant and volunteer for Alpha Phi sorority at both local and national levels.
Their latest gift continues that tradition of giving back while directly supporting three pillars of the Power the Roar campaign: Save and improve lives, educate future leaders and develop champions.
The largest portion of the gift, $3 million, will help save and improve lives by training future health care professionals through the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Clinical Simulation Center at Mizzou’s School of Medicine.
The commitment continues a family legacy. Shelden's parents established the center with a generous donation in 2008. The planned gift will ensure the center continues providing medical students with opportunities to practice lifesaving procedures using sophisticated patient simulators that mimic real medical conditions. This hands-on training prepares future health care professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.
Another $1.5 million will provide unrestricted support for Mizzou Athletics, giving the department flexibility to benefit student-athletes and develop champions.
The remaining $500,000 will support fraternity and sorority life, strengthening opportunities for student involvement and preparing future leaders.
"Campaigns like Power the Roar rely on the momentum built by donors, volunteers and advocates," said Chris Smith, vice chancellor for advancement. "Few have served as capably in all three roles as Val and Frank, and our gratitude for their decades of commitment to Mizzou is boundless."
For Shelden and Lawlor, the latest commitment reflects a longstanding relationship with Mizzou and a desire to help future generations of Tigers thrive.
"We are honored to serve as members of the Campaign Leadership Committee and to contribute toward this transformational fundraising effort that will position Mizzou's trajectory in new and meaningful ways," Lawlor said.
