For more than four decades, Donn Rediger has been one of Vanguard University’s most influential champions. His fingerprints are everywhere: on its governance, its financial stability, and most notably, on the establishment and growth of Vanguard’s endowment.
Rediger’s story is not simply one of philanthropy. It is a story of vision and service, of seeing what Vanguard could become, and putting in the funds, time, and guidance to make it possible.
A Lifelong Commitment to Christian Education
Rediger’s connection to Vanguard began with his deep belief in the value of Christian higher education. Though he didn’t attend the university, he watched his three sons enroll, thrive, and graduate from Vanguard, experiences that cemented his belief in the university’s mission.
Seeing the impact firsthand, Rediger felt compelled to serve. “It was just a natural following,” he explained. “Each one of the boys was enrolled and graduated there, and I saw the results of their education.”
That “natural following” became 40 years of service, including leadership on the Finance Committee. He was also a chief supporter and architect of the university’s Foundation Board.
Today, the Vanguard University Foundation Board brings together alumni and friends who invest their time, insight, and support to help advance the university’s mission and expand opportunities for students to grow in knowledge, character, faith, and Christ-centered leadership and service.
Securing Vanguard’s Future
One of Rediger’s most enduring contributions is his role in establishing Vanguard’s endowment, a cornerstone of the university’s long‑term financial health.
In the early years, Vanguard had no structured endowment or deferred giving program. Rediger found that unacceptable. “I got a little irked that we didn’t have any kind of deferred gift or endowment or foundation effort,” he recalled. When his early suggestions didn’t gain traction, he made a bold offer: “I finally said, ‘Look, I’ll pay the legal fees to start the thing if you’ll let us start one.’ And that’s what we did.”
That decision changed the trajectory of Vanguard’s future. Justin McIntee, EdD, senior vice president for university advancement and president of the Vanguard University Foundation, described Rediger as the catalyst behind everything that followed. During seasons when raising money for other initiatives would have been easier, McIntee said Rediger persisted in the endowment’s criticality: “He’s been the one person throughout the years who put the flag in the ground and said, ‘If you’re not focused on the endowment, you’re missing the mark.’”
Rediger’s challenge of prioritizing the endowment has produced incredible fruit throughout the past several years. “When I arrived as the president of the foundation, the endowment was $3.6 million,” said McIntee. “Today, the endowment sits at $55.8 million.” The university’s endowment bolsters more than 80 endowed scholarships and funds. Additionally, as confidence has grown in the stewardship of the endowment, it has garnered the confidence of major donors, including the $35 million estate gift from the Waughs.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
Rediger’s approach to giving and leadership is grounded in his faith. He believes deeply in the work of the Kingdom and in the power of Christian higher education to shape lives.
“You can be a Christian and have a ministry, but not be a pastor of a church,” he reflected. His commitment to supporting Christian professionals—business leaders, educators, and others—has shaped his decades of service.
Michael J. Beals, PhD, president of Vanguard University, witnessed Rediger live out that call to ministry through service since they met in 2013. “You can see a real commitment to biblical values in the way [Donn] treats people, in the way he approaches finances,” Beals said. “It’s generosity and integrity at the deepest levels. I’m blessed by the way he loves Vanguard.”
A Voice for Vanguard’s Future
According to President Beals, Rediger’s influence goes beyond structure and strategy. “I think the Lord was using Rediger to speak to the future of Vanguard,” he said. In hindsight, building a sustainable endowment has proven essential. As many small universities face mergers or closures, Vanguard stands on a much stronger footing.
“That transformational legacy,” Beals said, “is Donn Rediger’s vision of a sustainable, thriving Vanguard.”
A Lasting Legacy of Wisdom and Faith
In 2021, the Vanguard University Board of Trustees granted Rediger the distinction of Trustee Emeritus status. Though he no longer serves on the board, he remains deeply engaged. He reads every quarterly foundation report, offers feedback, and continues to champion the endowment’s growth.
“He’s been the single most important person and family that’s gotten the endowment to where it is now,” said McIntee.