Posted: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By: University Communications

An estate gift of over $1 million from the late Patrick L. Roberts and the late Christine (Sowinski) Roberts '73 will support scholarship opportunities at the University of Evansville (UE), reflecting the couple's lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and the transformative power of education.

Christine Roberts earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UE in 1973. She later went on to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and built a respected career in Missouri, where she operated a consulting practice that matched hospitals with highly skilled anesthesia providers. Her brother, David Sowinski, described her time at UE as one of the happiest chapters of her life, an experience that affirmed her path and deepened her confidence in serving others through healthcare.

Patrick Roberts owned and operated a CPA firm in Dexter, Missouri, for more than three decades. Known for his precision and professionalism, he was a trusted advisor to individuals and small businesses across the region. Christine occasionally supported his work during busy seasons, and together they built a life grounded in quiet generosity and a shared belief in education as a force for good.

Their decision to include UE in their estate plans ensures that future generations of students will benefit from that belief. Through scholarship support, the Roberts' gift will help ease financial burdens, expand access to life-changing academic experiences, and empower students to make a lasting impact in their communities.

"This scholarship investment from Patrick and Christine Roberts demonstrates the transformative power of philanthropy at the University of Evansville," said Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. "Their generosity expands access and opportunity, empowering students to fully engage in their education and prepare to live lives of purpose in a changing world."

"This gift reflects remarkable generosity and foresight, and we are sincerely thankful to the Roberts family for their investment in our students," said Abigail Werling M'09, Vice President for University Advancement. "Their scholarship support will have a lasting impact, helping students pursue their education with confidence well into the future."