University of Dubuque Renames Business School
The business school receives a seven-figure donation to support expansion into a new state-of-the-art facility.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The University of Dubuque has officially renamed its business school the Robert W. Plaster School of Business following a seven-figure gift from the Robert W. Plaster Foundation. This contribution supports the school's upcoming move into a new campus innovation center.
Why it matters
The donation serves as a key component of the university's $150 million Momentum Campaign, which focuses on modernizing learning infrastructure. The funding specifically assists in the construction of a new multi-story facility designed to enhance academic operations.
The school will relocate to the 87,000-square-foot, five-story Chlapaty Center for Innovation. This project follows a $35 million gift from Joseph and Linda Chlapaty announced in fall 2025.
The players
Robert W. Plaster
The late entrepreneur founded Empire Gas Corporation and established a foundation dedicated to philanthropic support of educational initiatives.
Joseph and Linda Chlapaty
These donors provided a $35 million gift to the university to establish the new center for innovation.
University of Dubuque
This private university located in Dubuque, Iowa, is currently undergoing a major capital campaign to upgrade its campus facilities.
The details
The newly named Robert W. Plaster School of Business will occupy the third floor of the Chlapaty Center for Innovation upon its completion. The facility construction project is part of a broader university effort to expand capacity for business and innovation-focused curricula.
Timeline
Robert W. Plaster founded Empire Gas Corporation in 1963.
The Robert W. Plaster Foundation was created in 1983.
The Chlapaty Center for Innovation was announced in fall 2025.
The Chlapaty Center for Innovation broke ground in summer 2026.
The Chlapaty Center for Innovation is scheduled to open in fall 2027.
Market Landscape
This naming rights agreement follows a growing trend of institutional development supported by private philanthropic partnerships. It positions the university to better compete for students by upgrading facilities alongside broader industry-wide modernization efforts.
Students and faculty will gain access to modern business facilities upon the building's 2027 opening. The naming transition does not change current tuition structures or existing academic credit requirements for students.
The takeaway
Naming agreements are a primary mechanism for universities to secure the capital necessary for significant campus construction. Prospective students and residents can expect to see enhanced campus infrastructure as these large-scale fundraising campaigns reach their final phases.
What happens next
The Chlapaty Center for Innovation is scheduled for completion and opening in fall 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational funding efforts in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KWWL.
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