The Bombeck name symbolizes family life. The late Erma Bombeck, the University of Dayton's most famous graduate and America's best-loved humorist and chronicler of family life, drew much of her inspiration -- and some of her best lines -- from her children. Bill Bombeck, a 1950 alumnus, spent 26 years as an educator before taking on the Bombeck family's business affairs.

Bill and Erma Bombeck co-chaired the University of Dayton's National Alumni Challenge Campaign in the 1980s. In 2000, he donated her papers -- manuscripts, columns and correspondence -- to the University of Dayton's archives, which serves as a repository for her work. He has served as the national chairman for disaster services for the American Red Cross -- a volunteer role -- and helped raise money for the University of Dayton and other causes close to his heart. In 1995, he led the Diocese of Phoenix's $5.9 million drive for Catholic and non-Catholic charities. He has worked with the Arizona Kidney Foundation's programs, and through the Bombeck family, organized the Erma Bombeck Organ Donor Awareness Project. He funneled proceeds from Erma's last book, Forever Erma, back into her favorite charities.

In addition to donating Erma's papers to the University, the Bombeck family has also made many other gifts, including $1 million to the Bombeck Family Learning Center -- the University of Dayton's child care center and an early childhood education demonstration school.

Through their generosity, the spirit of the Bombeck family will continue for generations to come.