KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo thanked donors for the partnerships that make opportunities available to students, with a virtual Chancellor’s Guild Celebration.
The event honors those who have given $1,000 or more in the last year.
The campus raised $878,000 in donations in 2020, supporting projects and programs such as the Cougar Cupboard food pantry, the Student Activities and Events Center, the Greenhouse, the Multicultural Center, student scholarships, and IU Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) travel.
Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke provided highlights of the last year on campus, including the return to full-time in person classes, an NAIA national champion in discus, and the opening of the KEY Center for Innovation.
“I am passionate about our regional campus mission,” Sciame-Giesecke said. “I’m so thrilled that we continue to grow not only in students, but in facilities, and programming. Thank you so much for all of your support and donations this year.”
Thirty-four donors were honored as members of the Seiberling Society, for giving more than $5,000 during the year.
It also included video greetings from IU President Pamela Whitten, and students and faculty who have participated in programs funded by donors.
Whitten thanked donors for their gifts, noting their support has been especially valuable during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thanks to your philanthropic support, kindness, and leadership, IU Kokomo has not only persevered, but is moving forward and thriving,” Whitten said. “Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for your generosity, dedication, and loyalty to IU Kokomo.”
Seiberling Society members include: Sita Amba-Rao, Don and Gail Beaton, William and Marilyn Bersbach, Button Motors Inc., Robert and Deborah Christensen, Community First Bank of Indiana; Community Foundation of Howard County Inc., First Farmers Bank & Trust, Randall and Esther Fishman, Michael and Judy Golitko, David Gossman, Susie Grayson, Tom Grayson, Daniel Grundmann and Julie Paris, V. William and Nancy Hunt, Philip Kintzele, Richard and Betty Lasbury, Pete Rosenau and Kathleen Ligocki, Eugene and Nancy McGarvey, Mike Anderson Auto Group Inc., NIPSCO, Brian and Angela Shockney, Charles and Alice Simons, Jeffery and Lisa Smeltzer, Craig and Susan Smith— Smith-Fuqua Foundation; Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union; Paul Stanley Jr., Jack and Pam Tharp, as well as an anonymous donor.
Those invited received a bottle of IU branded wine and a mix to make a gourmet dip in advance, in keeping with the “Sips and Dips” theme of the event.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.