Wallace Spencer Stepenske, a 1964 Central College alumnus, may be one of the stealthiest major donors in the college’s history.

Several months ago, Central learned of a million-dollar surprise in the form of a call from Stepenske’s attorney saying the alumnus had dedicated much of his estate to the college. Checks totaling $1,031,713 followed. Stepenske’s gift was unrestricted. The college will honor his legacy by dedicating a space on campus in the months ahead. Stepenske received a bachelor’s degree with majors in business and economics from Central in 1964.

Following graduation, he returned to Denver to work in the banking industry. Years later he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Arizona to study geography. From there he headed to California and pursued a new profession. He taught for 30 years in the California College Systems. His campus activities included participation in the Championship Current Affairs Quiz and serving as business manager for Homecoming and for The Pelican, the college’s yearbook. He died on April 9, 2018.