An honors student, All-American basketball player and 1923 engineering graduate of the University, Mr. Endacott became president of the Phillips Petroleum Co. Remembering with gratitude the guidance from KU faculty and staff that contributed to his success, Mr. Endacott and his wife, Lucille, began honoring these individuals through gifts to the KU Endowment Association. These gifts established the "Expressions of Appreciation" program, through which other alumni and friends could thank talented professors and staff members for their influence.

Mr. Endacott also collaborated with fellow donors and planners of the Adams Alumni Center to ensure that retired faculty and staff members could conduct meetings and activities in the Center, which also houses the headquarters of the KU Alumni Association. The Endacott Society, which continues to meet in the center, is now a program of the Alumni Association.