BVU Family Spotlight: The Gallaghers

May 2026 - Interviewed Tim Gallagher '90  

Who in your family attended BVU? 

Tim ’90, Jill ’94, and sons Grady ’15, Paul ’17, Anthony ’21, son-in-law Evan Krause ’21, and several extended family members among the Gallagher, Gunderson, and Krause families.

Tim earned a degree in Mass Communications. Jill, Grady, Paul, and Anthony each earned a degree in Business Education. Son-in-law Evan Krause ’21 earned a degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing.

The immediate family of Tim ’90 and Jill (Gunderson) Gallagher ’94 is shown at Lake Park United Methodist Church in Lake Park, Iowa, as Andy Gallagher was baptized on Nov. 29, 2025. The family photo features six Buena Vista University graduates.

What originally drew your family member(s) to BVU?

Tim ’90 liked the fact he could participate immediately in campus media such as The Tack, BVTV (called Innovation Video at the time), and KBVU.

Jill ’94 wanted to study education while participating in women’s basketball and women’s golf.

Grady ’15 and Paul ’17 wished to continue playing basketball for the Beavers while studying business and education. Anthony ’21 wanted to be part of the men’s golf program as he studied business and education. Evan ’21 also wanted to be a part of the men’s golf team as he studied business.

For all of us, BVU was the right size when it came to class sizes, allowing each member to get to know their faculty.

Is there a BVU memory, tradition, or moment your family still talks about today?

Passing through the Victory Arch twice during our time as undergraduates remains memorable. The ringing of the Victory Bell following a team’s return home after a win on the road is mentioned as one BVU tradition.

What does BVU mean to your family?  

Buena Vista University is a family affair for us. So many of our best friends are people  we met during our time as students. It’s a lot of fun to be surrounded by friends and family at Homecoming or when we participate in special celebrations like the Beaver  Ball. Everywhere we go, we make BVU connections quickly, and those encounters leave us with a feeling of pride.

BVU alumni joined Lily and Anthony Gallagher ’21 at their wedding reception inside The Cobblestone Ballroom on July 26, 2025.