In this photo taken in 1956, Ethan Allen gives a speech to the International City Manager's Association in Texas. The association honored him by making him a member of the Texas Order of White Hats.

A Kansas University alumna has committed $400,000 to KU in honor of her father Ethan Allen, a former chairman of KU’s political science department.

Martha Allen, of Minneapolis, Minn., earned a political science degree from KU in 1965. Her gift will provide support for a student, graduate teaching assistant or faculty member in the department of political science.

Earl Nehring, retired political science professor, remembered Ethan Allen, who died in 1968, as a considerate, thoughtful chairman who always sought to include everyone’s opinions before making a decision.

He was also instrumental in working with fellow professor Ed Stene to establish KU’s master of public administration program, Nehring said.

“He was a serious academic, but his real interest was teaching,” Nehring said. “He was an excellent teacher.”