Regents Award Presented to CLA Graduate and Philanthropist Gene Frey
Alum and philanthropist Gene Frey (BA ’53) was presented with the Regents Award on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The Regents Award is one of the University’s most prestigious honors, recognizing those who demonstrate exceptionally valuable and meritorious service and/or contributed to the University’s development through significant financial support.
A proud CLA graduate, Frey was honored during a celebration with his wife Sue, children John Frey, James Frey, and Carol Wolfe, as well as their families. Other special guests included Jim & Carmen Campbell; Mark & Kate Dienhard; Kathy Dougherty; Stan and Ginny Hubbard; Tim Marx; John Morris; Patty Porter; and Regent Penny Wheeler.
“What makes this recognition so meaningful is not just the scale of Gene’s generosity, it is the story behind it,” shared CLA Dean GerShun Avilez. “...The journey of a CLA alum who discovered his passion in the liberal arts, built a successful career, and created a family tradition of service and philanthropy.”
A landmark gift and legacy
Frey was nominated for the Regents Award by John Coleman, former dean; Ann Waltner, former interim dean; Tim Marx, former Commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Deputy Mayor and City Attorney of Saint Paul; and Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota.
Frey began his journey at the University of Minnesota and soon discovered his love for the liberal arts. Petitioning to become an interdepartmental major, he pursued psychology and political science with zeal, subjects that he described as “like a kid with a pass for the ice cream store.” After serving in the Air Force, he completed his degree and went on to a distinguished four-decade career in the paper-products industry, rising from sales representative to CEO.
In 1985, Frey established the Frey Foundation of Minnesota, continuing a family tradition of giving and service. The Foundation prioritizes education, housing, and health and human services, funding creative nonprofits that strengthen the Minneapolis–St. Paul community.
In April 2022, Gene made a landmark $5 million gift to the College of Liberal Arts, which, when paired with matching funds from the Bentson Foundation, provided an additional $2.5 million in incentive funding. The result: more than 900 scholarships awarded to first-year CLA students over the next decade, ensuring access to a world-class education for those with the greatest financial need.
Reflecting on the honor of receiving the Regents Award, Frey shared these words:
“Standing here today as a proud alum of the University of Minnesota, I'm reminded of the first time I walked through Northrop Mall—wide-eyed, curious, and full of possibility. This institution didn't just shape my education; it shaped my imagination, my values, and my commitment to community. Receiving the Regents Award is deeply humbling. It's a reflection not just of my contributions, but of the incredible mentors, peers, and students who continue to inspire me. The U of M taught me that ideas flourish when rooted in collaboration and bold thinking—and I've carried that lesson into every endeavor since.”
Please join us in thanking Gene for a lifetime of service to the University of Minnesota and congratulating him on this well-deserved and esteemed honor.
Alumnus Gene Frey (BA ‘53) is creating pathways of accessibility for CLA students
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” These are the words that have guided Gene Frey (BA ‘53) and his family’s commitment to community and philanthropy. Read A Cycle of Philanthropy.
