Friends University has a long-standing connection with the Garvey family. With the family's help, Friends University has been able to make many campus improvements and positive changes over the past 40 years.

The Garveys’ involvement began in 1963 when Olive White Garvey joined the Friends University board of trustees. She served on the board for 30 years, providing level-headed counsel and contributions that helped the University through some difficult years. She was granted an honorary doctorate in 1967.

The family's association continued when Jean Garvey enrolled in Friends University's Human Resource Management program and earned her bachelor's degree in 1988. Jean served on the Friends University board of trustees for nine years.

The Garvey family helped provide funding for the Garvey Physical Education Center built in 1969 and the remodeling of the YMCA (West Branch) into space for Friends' art program and gallery. They were instrumental in funding the development of the Center on Family Living in the early 1980s. In the mid-1990s the family also provided funds for the Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building, which was built in 1996.

The 2003 contribution of $2.5 million to endow the Garvey Institute of Law at Friends University ensures the Garveys’ legacy of support and connection will continue with Friends University and benefit the Wichita community for a long time to come.