Late Board Member Tim Ubben Bequests $8.8 Million to Posse
During his life, Tim Ubben served Posse as a dedicated board member, a powerful advocate, and the Foundation’s biggest donor. His death in 2021 has left a felt absence in the organization he so passionately believed in and helped to grow.
This winter, Posse received its largest bequest ever—a gift of $8.8 million from Tim. These funds add to Tim’s distinguished legacy as one of Posse’s most generous supporters.
Tim was always there for Posse. We will forever be grateful for his immense generosity.
Posse President and Founder Deborah Bial
Tim joined the national board in 2000 and began his tenure by helping to launch what has become one of Posse’s largest recruitment sites, Chicago. As the founding board chair for Posse Chicago, Tim helped build an effective advisory board and establish a solid financial foundation.
Tim’s wife, Sharon, recalls his passion for the program:
Tim was a Trustee at DePauw, a Posse partner school located in Greencastle, Indiana. He was introduced to Debbie and some of the Posse Scholars at a meeting. His words: “I want to be a part of this!” He started Posse Chicago, and from there his love affair with the program grew. The continued success of the Posse Scholars made his commitment even stronger.
In 2005, Tim recruited his son, Jeff Ubben, to the national board. Jeff, who is the founder of investment firms ValueAct Capital and Inclusive Capital, went on to chair the Posse board from 2007 to 2016 and remains a loyal supporter.
Together, Tim and Jeff have contributed more than $60 million to Posse, with Tim donating nearly $34 million.
Reflecting on his father’s life and passion for Posse, Jeff says:
Dad was the toughest softie ever. To have Tim on your team sets you free. He smothers you. What have you got yourself into? And then the moment arrives. You see in some small gesture that he is your biggest advocate, the most loyal supporter you will ever have.
Posse offered the perfect challenge for my Dad. He wanted to help those “in need.” But Posse students are merit worthy. They just deserve the support. This brought out the best in him as it was not about him at all.
Posse President and Founder Deborah Bial observes:
Every so often an organization gets lucky and finds that rare person who both believes in the mission and has the means to dramatically expand its impact. Tim was that for Posse. Whether helping to found the Chicago office or, with his wife Sharon, doubling Posse’s endowment in one fell swoop, Tim was always there for us. He brought his whole family into the fold, including his son, Jeff, who chaired the organization for a decade and matched his father’s generosity. We will always love Tim and will forever be grateful for his immense generosity.
