KU School of Business Knock on the Window Award celebrates entrepreneurial spirit, honors alumnus

A new School of Business gift will recognize and support entrepreneurship students who exemplify hard work, tenacity, hustle and determination.

The Knock on the Window Award was created in honor of Dana Anderson, a KU School of Business alumnus and a Dean’s Advisory Board member, who celebrated his 90th birthday over the summer. The gift, established by Anderson’s investment advisor and friend Wayne Woodman, will ensure that KU students who have actively participated in the school’s entrepreneurship-related activities and curriculum have opportunities to continue their entrepreneurial endeavors.

To be eligible for the award, KU students must have active participation with entrepreneurship activities over several years, be one to two semesters away from graduating and embody the same qualities that Anderson exhibited throughout his life and career.

“While Dana and I have shared many successes over the years, it fails in comparison to what he has taught me over the years,” Woodman said. “Our material successes were only possible because of our relationship and the trust and confidence that developed. There are few better examples of how to approach business, life and people than by being kind, helpful and curious. Dana always went the extra mile, and with that in mind, the students who reflect his values and nature should be recognized.”

Anderson and his family are longtime supporters of the School of Business and the university. He is the board vice chairman emeritus of the Macerich Co., a real estate development firm, where he has worked since 1965. Throughout his career and life, Anderson has always given to those in need, served as a mentor and been an inspiration of hard work and fortitude to those around him.

“I’m so proud of my dad and all that he has done for our family, the university and many other charities that he’s supported over the years,” said Justin, Anderson’s son. “It’s one of those things, like knocking on a window, where you put yourself out there and do something good; it’s amazing the things that can follow. I can’t think of a better person and attitude to emulate than my dad’s. I’m so glad that future generations of School of Business students will get the opportunity to hear that story, feel its impact and understand how they can apply it to their life to take the next step forward in their entrepreneurial journey.”

Along with Woodman and his son Andrew, and Anderson’s three sons, Jerry, Dana Jr. and Justin, contributed to the endowed fund. The award pays tribute to Anderson’s nature to lend a hand to those in need, and honors his career at Macerich, which started by knocking on a car window.

“We hope that this opportunity inspires entrepreneurship students,” Jerry said. “A lot of the time, it’s about going out, knocking on the window and not being afraid. This will hopefully encourage students to go out and take a chance.”

In early 1965, Anderson was driving his family in Topeka during a heavy rain. He spotted a Lincoln Town Car parked on the side of the road with three men huddled over a map. Anderson took his wife and a young Jerry home before coming back to find the men still parked in the same spot. He walked over to the car and knocked on the window to offer help. Inside were Mace Siegel, Richard Cohen and Leonard Cohen.

Unbeknownst to Anderson, Siegel and Richard were founders of Macerich and were looking at properties in Topeka to begin building shopping centers. Leonard was the head of real estate for Arlan’s department stores. Anderson offered to show them around and to act as their local liaison. It was from there that Anderson’s real estate career began.

“We hope that this opportunity inspires entrepreneurship students,” Jerry said.

“I think it’s always good to have a nonacademic component when studying business,” Dana Jr. added. “It helps students learn how to start a business from the ground up and learn about the tools it takes. There’s inspiration sometimes and perspiration always. This opportunity will help students use their entrepreneurial spirit to further their education.”

Those interested in contributing to the Knock on the Window Award can contact Dave Byrd-Stadler, director and team lead, KU Endowment at 785–832–7308 or dstadler@kuendowment.org.