Dave Markward '71: Continuing to support DEI initiatives

(Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Augustana College.)

While watching David Letterman’s Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” Dave Markward  ’71 was captivated and inspired from the very first episode that featured Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States, and civil rights activist John Lewis.

During the episode, Letterman and Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., as they recalled the harrowing events during the voting rights march as part of the Civil Rights Movement. Afterward, Markward turned to his partner Sheila Lehman and said, “I think we should go to Selma.”

The experience was transformative for Markward, and upon his return home, he spoke with his brothers about his time in the South. His family encouraged him to share his experience by writing a book, which is now a published memoir including questions that invite readers to think about their biases and reflect honestly on their experiences with people different than themselves.

Markward is connected to Augustana not only through his education, but also his philanthropy. In 2020, he established an endowed fund to provide support for the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts of the college. Earnings from the fund are used at the discretion of the vice president for DEI to help finance that office's programs and initiatives. 

Proceeds from Markward’s book, "From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America” will be donated to further support the work of the DEI office.

The college’s endowment, surpassing $200 million in 2022, provides funds every year for student scholarships, department needs and some capital maintenance. The endowment is vital to the college, helping create financial stability for the future.

Augustana College is committed to strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion across campus and creating pathways that advance the college’s diversity at all levels. The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provides leadership for the college’s initiatives to enhance the intercultural competence of all students and employees.