Student-Athlete Spotlight: Taking a Full Swing with Golfer Rosie Davies The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with London native Rosie Davies,  a senior on the IU women’s golf team. Rosie described her IU experience, both on and off the course. Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU? A: To put it simply: everything. The facilities are incredible; the academic campus is ever-growing in a positive direction. When I visited and I saw the team center, I noticed that we have one of the best short-game practice facilities in the country. I knew that everything I needed to make the most of my college experience, athletically and academically, was here. Q: Being from London, England, what was the biggest adjustment for you coming across the pond? A: The biggest adjustment was really being so far away from my family. I’m actually from the city, so Bloomington is very different from home. It’s a different feel but I love it. Everything is centered around the university and the Hoosier family is everywhere you go. The people are so friendly here that it doesn’t seem so different from home. Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?” A: We’re constantly surrounded by athletes daily. We’re surrounded by different teams, especially in the Academic Center and the weight room. There is very positive energy between the teams. When I first got here, I roomed with volleyball girls. We created a support system across the 24 sports. I’m not playing for the golf team, I’m playing for Indiana University and that’s something that we, as athletes, focus on every day. Q: What does it mean to you to wear the IU uniform when you step on the first tee box? A: There definitely is a sense of pride every time you wear the Indiana logo during competition. It’s in our mantra that we’re competing for something bigger than ourselves; I think that’s really important. Being a senior, I really try to instill that in the younger girls, especially the freshmen. It’s so important to recognize who you’re playing for. Golf is considered an individual sport, but there definitely is a team aspect to the game as well— we’re playing for the university. Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club? A: It helps tremendously. I definitely appreciate it. Especially with the increasing costs of tuition, textbooks, etc., it’s really nice to take that pressure off my family. Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them? A: I would tell them thank you. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to compete for Indiana University, but also to be in America because that’s basically what they’re allowing me to do. They have transformed me and helped me develop personally, academically, and athletically; I wouldn’t be going on to what I want to achieve without them. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity. Read more about Rosie Davies. When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Rosie. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.
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Student-Athlete Spotlight: Taking a Full Swing with Golfer Rosie Davies

The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with London native Rosie Davies,  a senior on the IU women’s golf team. Rosie described her IU experience, both on and off the course.

Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU?

A: To put it simply: everything. The facilities are incredible; the academic campus is ever-growing in a positive direction. When I visited and I saw the team center, I noticed that we have one of the best short-game practice facilities in the country. I knew that everything I needed to make the most of my college experience, athletically and academically, was here.

Q: Being from London, England, what was the biggest adjustment for you coming across the pond?

A: The biggest adjustment was really being so far away from my family. I’m actually from the city, so Bloomington is very different from home. It’s a different feel but I love it. Everything is centered around the university and the Hoosier family is everywhere you go. The people are so friendly here that it doesn’t seem so different from home.

Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?”

A: We’re constantly surrounded by athletes daily. We’re surrounded by different teams, especially in the Academic Center and the weight room. There is very positive energy between the teams. When I first got here, I roomed with volleyball girls. We created a support system across the 24 sports. I’m not playing for the golf team, I’m playing for Indiana University and that’s something that we, as athletes, focus on every day.

Q: What does it mean to you to wear the IU uniform when you step on the first tee box?

A: There definitely is a sense of pride every time you wear the Indiana logo during competition. It’s in our mantra that we’re competing for something bigger than ourselves; I think that’s really important. Being a senior, I really try to instill that in the younger girls, especially the freshmen. It’s so important to recognize who you’re playing for. Golf is considered an individual sport, but there definitely is a team aspect to the game as well— we’re playing for the university.

Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club?

A: It helps tremendously. I definitely appreciate it. Especially with the increasing costs of tuition, textbooks, etc., it’s really nice to take that pressure off my family.

Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them?

A: I would tell them thank you. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to compete for Indiana University, but also to be in America because that’s basically what they’re allowing me to do. They have transformed me and helped me develop personally, academically, and athletically; I wouldn’t be going on to what I want to achieve without them. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity.

Read more about Rosie Davies.

When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Rosie. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.

Showing Spirit and Paying It Forward with Michael Bryant Born and raised in Jeffersonville, IN, Michael Bryant, a current board member of the Varsity Club, resides in Lynchburg, VA with his wife Paula. They are both Hoosiers through and through. The Bryants have been Varsity Club donors since 1993, and have endowed a scholarship for the men’s basketball team. We recently sat down with Bryant to discuss his connection to IU and his IU inspired “Mancave-Suite.” Q: Apart from being an alumnus, what other connections do you have with IU? Michael: I am on the Dean’s Council at the IU Kelley School and, although not currently, I have been president of the IU Alumni Club, the local chapter in Peoria, and I’ve been a member of the IU Varsity Club since 1993. My family has been to a countless number of IU football and basketball games; we’re certainly an IU family. Those are my direct connections to the University. And, of course, my IU Mancave-Suite exemplifies my connection with the university. I’m all Indiana, all the time. Q: I’ve heard about Tell me about your IU Mancave-Suite. Michael: This is our fourth house with a room dedicated to IU; our first house was in 1992. It started as an office decorated with IU wallpaper and with an autographed ball. It just kind of evolved from there. I actually put down a replica of Assembly Hall’s court in the corner of the basement in our second house. I added a big screen theatre and a bar to cap off IU Room 2.0.  In the third house, I had even more space to work with. We started with just an IU room and were thinking about adding an office and an exercise room. We knocked down a door and turned all three rooms into the IU Mancave-Suite (see photos). We had a local muralist paint the inside of Assembly Hall on the wall. Coach Crean, Don Fisher, Bobby Knight, and Martha the Mop Lady are all featured in the mural. We love what Fred Glass is doing with the vision of “24 Sports, 1 Team” so much that we decided to add both that slogan and the Varsity Club’s “We Are Hoosiers” slogan to the mural. We keep adding more and more as time goes by; it’s a great family project to work on. We have an endowed scholarship with the Men’s Basketball program and we actually have a section of jerseys right above the TV of the recipients of our scholarships. Lance (Stemler) and Matt (Roth) were our two previous recipients. Just recently, we found out that (Kevin) “Yogi” Ferrell is the newest recipient. So, we will be hanging a jersey above the TV for him. Q: What put you in position to become a Varsity Club Donor and what inspires you to give? Michael: I’m like a lot of Hoosier fans. I enjoyed IU Athletics both as a student as well as an alumnus. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to have some success in my life. When I turned 50, my wife, Paula, and I were talking about having a big celebration. As we started thinking about it and what it was going to cost, I decided that instead of spending the money, I wanted to start a scholarship or endowment at Indiana. It’s always been my belief that academics come first. We started off by endowing a scholarship to the Kelley School. I continued to have success, which led to meeting with Kelly Bomba (Assistant Athletic Director, Major Gifts). We started with a named scholarship and moved up to an endowment. (More information about the IU Athletic Endowment Fund.) As I look into my past, I was raised in Jeffersonville, IN and came from a poor family. I think of the scholarships that I received because people wanted to pay it forward. I never forgot how I got through school and how I got here. When I had the opportunity to pay it forward, I took it and continued to build on that every year. Again, it’s hard to imagine what my life would’ve been without the time I spent at IU and the opportunity they gave a poor boy from Jeffersonville, IN. Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about donating to IU Athletics? Michael: IU Athletics has been such a huge part of my life; I live and die Indiana Athletics. As all Hoosier fans know, you build your life and schedule around when teams play. The opportunity to say that I made a difference for the next generation of Hoosiers and student-athletes is just an important thing to me. The campaign, “GIVING WHILE YOU’RE LIVING,” means a lot to me. The joy of giving while I’m still alive is so incredibly rewarding. It’s not even that they have to thank you or anything; it’s just nice to know that you played a small role in someone’s life, just as someone did for me. I get to see what all the student-athletes do after graduation and having that connection with them is incredibly gratifying.  Q: What do you admire most about our student-athletes? Michael: What I look at, and what I’m proud of, is the tradition of Indiana Athletics. We have always been proud of our student-athletes. Even in this world, where money is such a prevalent part of college athletics, I still believe that Fred, and the whole team behind him, have done a wonderful job with continuing Indiana’s tradition of having wholesome student-athletes represent the university. My favorite NCAA saying, “Most of us go pro in something other than sports,” is exemplified at IU. The parents, the families, and the student body— they all buy into the student-athletes and I think that’s really special. Another thing that I love is the way that Indiana plays by the rules. It’s a great message for the student-athletes as well as the student body. We play by the rules and do the right thing. When you have that foundation and enforce it and surround the population with it, good things happen. It impacts people in a positive manner for the rest of their lives. I’m really proud that Indiana is on the rise again. Winning championships the right way is a great thing. Q: Anything else you would like to add? Michael: I just want to say congratulations to all the staff of the Varsity Club and all of IU Athletics. Everything you all have done in the past couple years with facilities and what you’ve done to create a level of excellence for our student athletes both academically and athletically is outstanding. We’re all so proud of everything and we look forward to being a small part of that in the future. Best wishes to all of our student-athletes! View photos of Bryant’s “IU Mancave-Suite.” Do you have a room dedicated to your love for IU Athletics? Send us your pictures to be featured on the Varsity Club’s Facebook page and Twitter feed @IUVarsityClub!
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Showing Spirit and Paying It Forward with Michael Bryant

Born and raised in Jeffersonville, IN, Michael Bryant, a current board member of the Varsity Club, resides in Lynchburg, VA with his wife Paula. They are both Hoosiers through and through. The Bryants have been Varsity Club donors since 1993, and have endowed a scholarship for the men’s basketball team. We recently sat down with Bryant to discuss his connection to IU and his IU inspired “Mancave-Suite.”

Q: Apart from being an alumnus, what other connections do you have with IU?

Michael: I am on the Dean’s Council at the IU Kelley School and, although not currently, I have been president of the IU Alumni Club, the local chapter in Peoria, and I’ve been a member of the IU Varsity Club since 1993. My family has been to a countless number of IU football and basketball games; we’re certainly an IU family. Those are my direct connections to the University. And, of course, my IU Mancave-Suite exemplifies my connection with the university. I’m all Indiana, all the time.

Q: I’ve heard about Tell me about your IU Mancave-Suite.

Michael: This is our fourth house with a room dedicated to IU; our first house was in 1992. It started as an office decorated with IU wallpaper and with an autographed ball. It just kind of evolved from there. I actually put down a replica of Assembly Hall’s court in the corner of the basement in our second house. I added a big screen theatre and a bar to cap off IU Room 2.0. 

In the third house, I had even more space to work with. We started with just an IU room and were thinking about adding an office and an exercise room. We knocked down a door and turned all three rooms into the IU Mancave-Suite (see photos). We had a local muralist paint the inside of Assembly Hall on the wall. Coach Crean, Don Fisher, Bobby Knight, and Martha the Mop Lady are all featured in the mural. We love what Fred Glass is doing with the vision of “24 Sports, 1 Team” so much that we decided to add both that slogan and the Varsity Club’s “We Are Hoosiers” slogan to the mural. We keep adding more and more as time goes by; it’s a great family project to work on.

We have an endowed scholarship with the Men’s Basketball program and we actually have a section of jerseys right above the TV of the recipients of our scholarships. Lance (Stemler) and Matt (Roth) were our two previous recipients. Just recently, we found out that (Kevin) “Yogi” Ferrell is the newest recipient. So, we will be hanging a jersey above the TV for him.

Q: What put you in position to become a Varsity Club Donor and what inspires you to give?

Michael: I’m like a lot of Hoosier fans. I enjoyed IU Athletics both as a student as well as an alumnus. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to have some success in my life. When I turned 50, my wife, Paula, and I were talking about having a big celebration. As we started thinking about it and what it was going to cost, I decided that instead of spending the money, I wanted to start a scholarship or endowment at Indiana. It’s always been my belief that academics come first. We started off by endowing a scholarship to the Kelley School. I continued to have success, which led to meeting with Kelly Bomba (Assistant Athletic Director, Major Gifts). We started with a named scholarship and moved up to an endowment. (More information about the IU Athletic Endowment Fund.)

As I look into my past, I was raised in Jeffersonville, IN and came from a poor family. I think of the scholarships that I received because people wanted to pay it forward. I never forgot how I got through school and how I got here. When I had the opportunity to pay it forward, I took it and continued to build on that every year. Again, it’s hard to imagine what my life would’ve been without the time I spent at IU and the opportunity they gave a poor boy from Jeffersonville, IN.

Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about donating to IU Athletics?

Michael: IU Athletics has been such a huge part of my life; I live and die Indiana Athletics. As all Hoosier fans know, you build your life and schedule around when teams play. The opportunity to say that I made a difference for the next generation of Hoosiers and student-athletes is just an important thing to me. The campaign, “GIVING WHILE YOU’RE LIVING,” means a lot to me. The joy of giving while I’m still alive is so incredibly rewarding. It’s not even that they have to thank you or anything; it’s just nice to know that you played a small role in someone’s life, just as someone did for me. I get to see what all the student-athletes do after graduation and having that connection with them is incredibly gratifying. 

Q: What do you admire most about our student-athletes?

Michael: What I look at, and what I’m proud of, is the tradition of Indiana Athletics. We have always been proud of our student-athletes. Even in this world, where money is such a prevalent part of college athletics, I still believe that Fred, and the whole team behind him, have done a wonderful job with continuing Indiana’s tradition of having wholesome student-athletes represent the university. My favorite NCAA saying, “Most of us go pro in something other than sports,” is exemplified at IU. The parents, the families, and the student body— they all buy into the student-athletes and I think that’s really special.

Another thing that I love is the way that Indiana plays by the rules. It’s a great message for the student-athletes as well as the student body. We play by the rules and do the right thing. When you have that foundation and enforce it and surround the population with it, good things happen. It impacts people in a positive manner for the rest of their lives. I’m really proud that Indiana is on the rise again. Winning championships the right way is a great thing.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Michael: I just want to say congratulations to all the staff of the Varsity Club and all of IU Athletics. Everything you all have done in the past couple years with facilities and what you’ve done to create a level of excellence for our student athletes both academically and athletically is outstanding. We’re all so proud of everything and we look forward to being a small part of that in the future. Best wishes to all of our student-athletes!

View photos of Bryant’s “IU Mancave-Suite.”

Do you have a room dedicated to your love for IU Athletics? Send us your pictures to be featured on the Varsity Club’s Facebook page and Twitter feed @IUVarsityClub!

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Acing the IU Experience with Jordan Haverly The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Jordan Haverly, a redshirt junior and outside hitter on the IU Volleyball team. Haverly described her IU experience, both on and off the court. Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU? A: The people were one of the biggest reasons I came here. Everyone was very nice and open and you got the feeling that no one was going to let you fail. From faculty, to coaches, to academic services, everybody that we met was always willing to help. Also, the campus is gorgeous, so that’s definitely a plus! Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you— coming from high school to IU?  A: The biggest adjustment was getting used to adding so many hours of volleyball into my schedule. Coming from a college prep school, academics was not the biggest adjustment for me. Managing time and projects is always hard, but volleyball and the travelling we did with it made for a pretty big adjustment. The professors, though, were always there to work one-on-one with us and were very accommodating. Q: After an incredible Sweet 16 run in the fall 2010, how did your injury (torn ACL, LCL, MCL, and meniscus) in the spring of 2011 motivate you?  A: I obviously still wanted to play and have a passion for the game. I had a lot, and still have a lot to prove. If I could’ve played that season, I would have. I tried really hard, but there were some complications. I just wanted to get healthy again for my teammates. One of my goals coming to IU was to leave the program better than when I got here. The support from my coaches and teammates was incredible. It was tough for me. I was going through rehab learning how to walk the right way without limping. My teammates, coaches, advisors, and trainers … everyone was always checking on me. If I even made the slightest improvement, like doing a wall-sit, it was a celebration. Everyone was really supportive during my recovery. Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?”  A: It’s exactly what it states. You spend all your time around other athletes and they become your closest friends. We all work so hard and we all get each other’s lives. It’s like our own little community. We’re one big group and everyone does a great job of supporting each other. You see athletes at study tables, class, and other sporting events. It’s like one big athletic family! They become your best friends. It’s really great to have that “family” atmosphere. We get to know all the other sports and develop friendships; it’s special. Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club?  A: I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t receive aid from the Varsity Club. It lifts a huge burden coming from out-of-state. It’s hard to put into words what it means to know that someone was generous enough to give this gift. It allows me to focus on volleyball and academics without having to worry about graduating in debt. It’s incredible how generous our donors are and the opportunities they provide to us are just amazing. Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them?  A: I would say thank you for everything that they’ve allowed me to participate in. They’ve paid for my education and allowed me to have the most exciting and rewarding experiences in my life. Thank you is not enough, but I will always be grateful and I will have these memories for the rest of my life. I don’t know that I could ever repay them for all the memories I am able to have here. The fact that they were able to give us that is just amazing and I am so thankful. Read more about Jordan Haverly. When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Jordan. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.
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Student-Athlete Spotlight: Acing the IU Experience with Jordan Haverly

The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Jordan Haverly, a redshirt junior and outside hitter on the IU Volleyball team. Haverly described her IU experience, both on and off the court.

Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU? 

A: The people were one of the biggest reasons I came here. Everyone was very nice and open and you got the feeling that no one was going to let you fail. From faculty, to coaches, to academic services, everybody that we met was always willing to help. Also, the campus is gorgeous, so that’s definitely a plus!

Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you— coming from high school to IU? 

A: The biggest adjustment was getting used to adding so many hours of volleyball into my schedule. Coming from a college prep school, academics was not the biggest adjustment for me. Managing time and projects is always hard, but volleyball and the travelling we did with it made for a pretty big adjustment. The professors, though, were always there to work one-on-one with us and were very accommodating.

Q: After an incredible Sweet 16 run in the fall 2010, how did your injury (torn ACL, LCL, MCL, and meniscus) in the spring of 2011 motivate you? 

A: I obviously still wanted to play and have a passion for the game. I had a lot, and still have a lot to prove. If I could’ve played that season, I would have. I tried really hard, but there were some complications. I just wanted to get healthy again for my teammates. One of my goals coming to IU was to leave the program better than when I got here. The support from my coaches and teammates was incredible. It was tough for me. I was going through rehab learning how to walk the right way without limping. My teammates, coaches, advisors, and trainers … everyone was always checking on me. If I even made the slightest improvement, like doing a wall-sit, it was a celebration. Everyone was really supportive during my recovery.

Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?” 

A: It’s exactly what it states. You spend all your time around other athletes and they become your closest friends. We all work so hard and we all get each other’s lives. It’s like our own little community. We’re one big group and everyone does a great job of supporting each other. You see athletes at study tables, class, and other sporting events. It’s like one big athletic family! They become your best friends. It’s really great to have that “family” atmosphere. We get to know all the other sports and develop friendships; it’s special.

Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club? 

A: I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t receive aid from the Varsity Club. It lifts a huge burden coming from out-of-state. It’s hard to put into words what it means to know that someone was generous enough to give this gift. It allows me to focus on volleyball and academics without having to worry about graduating in debt. It’s incredible how generous our donors are and the opportunities they provide to us are just amazing.

Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them? 

A: I would say thank you for everything that they’ve allowed me to participate in. They’ve paid for my education and allowed me to have the most exciting and rewarding experiences in my life. Thank you is not enough, but I will always be grateful and I will have these memories for the rest of my life. I don’t know that I could ever repay them for all the memories I am able to have here. The fact that they were able to give us that is just amazing and I am so thankful.

Read more about Jordan Haverly.

When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Jordan. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.

Donor Spotlight: Painting the Picture with Dr. & Mrs. David and Susie Gregory Longtime Varsity Club donors, David and Susie Gregory have been loyal IU fans for many years. This year marks the 38th year they’ve held both football and basketball season tickets. They also have been to every single Final Four that IU has played in since 1976. While being loyal fans is important to this Columbus, In couple, they also share their love for IU sports in a unique way— with paintings of proud moments in athletic history. We recently sat down with them to learn about their love for IU and how they’ve translated this love into art. Q: What inspires you to give to the Indiana University Varsity Club? David: Neither Susie nor I took an undergraduate class at Indiana University.  I did, however, earn my M.D. from the IU School of Medicine in 1972.  Both of our fathers were IU undergraduate students. My father formerly was an IU cheerleader back in his undergraduate days. Susie’s father was a photographer for Arbutus, the student yearbook, and went on to graduate from IU medical school. Our three children are IU graduates and so the tradition and history of Indiana University runs full circle with our family. Q: What put you in position to become a Varsity Club Donor? Susie: David’s hard work, dedication, and passion for his work is what put him in a position to generously donate to the Varsity Club. He was board certified and specialized in Emergency Medicine, retiring after 38 years of practice at Columbus Regional Hospital, in Columbus, Indiana. Q: What do you admire most about our student-athletes? David: We admire how dedicated the athletes are to representing the University. The amount of time and dedication they put into their schoolwork and training is truly commendable. They recognize the demands it takes to be a student-athlete and the stardom that gets associated with being a collegiate athlete. They know that their hard work and unassuming attitude will propel them into outstanding professionals in their fields. Q: Do you have a favorite current/past favorite IU Athlete? David: In a word: Shee-ladipo. Susie and I love the tenacity and diligence that Will Sheehey plays with every minute he is on the court and we love Victor Oladipo’s energy, efficiency, and up-tempo defense. As far as a past player goes, we are very fond of Dan Dakich. Dan actually gave Susie a shout out on an ESPN broadcast saying thank you for a painting that she gave to him! Q: Tell me one of the times that you felt most connected to IU Athletics? Susie: On July 25th, 1981, David received a patient when he was working in the emergency room. There was a bad car accident just east of Columbus; a man lost control of his vehicle on a two-lane road, hit a culvert, and crashed. The man was rushed to Columbus Regional Hospital in critical condition. It was David who stabilized him and made the call to rush him to Indianapolis. This judgment call not only saved his life, but also saved movement in his upper body. He currently has mobility in his torso, hands, and arms. His legs, however, are paralyzed from the accident. This visitor was Landon Turner of the 1981 National Championship team. This was an extraordinary event that moved us to organize a fundraising benefit for Landon and we’ve maintained a special relationship with him ever since. Q: Regarding your paintings, where does the inspiration come from and how do you decide what to create? Susie: I have been painting for over 30 years now. I have worked with watercolors, pastels, mixed media and oil paints. My portfolio includes figurative, portraits, animals, landscape, still life and sports art. I have painted many fraternity and sorority houses over the years and have a poster called “Growing up a Hoosier,” a painting I did of my godson Matt wearing IU trunks.  Currently, I’m in the process of publishing my interpretation of the “Christian Watford shot” from the Indiana vs. Kentucky game on December 10th, 2011. After David and I witnessed the monumental moment in Assembly Hall together, I knew that I had to recreate it as we saw and felt it. I created an oil painting, entitled The Resurrection, named after the resurgence of Indiana Basketball into the national spotlight. I presented it to Coach Crean as a memento of the fans storming the court after that historic game.  I am offering digital giclees of the painting through my website. Moments like these, along with what it means to be a Hoosier, are some of the more impactful feelings that inspire Susie. You may view her paintings at susiegregoryfineart.com and they are also available at The Venue, located in Bloomington, IN. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of The Resurrection will benefit the IU Varsity Club. You can also make a direct donation to support student-athlete scholarships. Make a gift online now or donate by text.
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Donor Spotlight: Painting the Picture with Dr. & Mrs. David and Susie Gregory

Longtime Varsity Club donors, David and Susie Gregory have been loyal IU fans for many years. This year marks the 38th year they’ve held both football and basketball season tickets. They also have been to every single Final Four that IU has played in since 1976.

While being loyal fans is important to this Columbus, In couple, they also share their love for IU sports in a unique way— with paintings of proud moments in athletic history. We recently sat down with them to learn about their love for IU and how they’ve translated this love into art.

Q: What inspires you to give to the Indiana University Varsity Club?

David: Neither Susie nor I took an undergraduate class at Indiana University.  I did, however, earn my M.D. from the IU School of Medicine in 1972.  Both of our fathers were IU undergraduate students. My father formerly was an IU cheerleader back in his undergraduate days. Susie’s father was a photographer for Arbutus, the student yearbook, and went on to graduate from IU medical school. Our three children are IU graduates and so the tradition and history of Indiana University runs full circle with our family.

Q: What put you in position to become a Varsity Club Donor?

Susie: David’s hard work, dedication, and passion for his work is what put him in a position to generously donate to the Varsity Club. He was board certified and specialized in Emergency Medicine, retiring after 38 years of practice at Columbus Regional Hospital, in Columbus, Indiana.

Q: What do you admire most about our student-athletes?

David: We admire how dedicated the athletes are to representing the University. The amount of time and dedication they put into their schoolwork and training is truly commendable. They recognize the demands it takes to be a student-athlete and the stardom that gets associated with being a collegiate athlete. They know that their hard work and unassuming attitude will propel them into outstanding professionals in their fields.

Q: Do you have a favorite current/past favorite IU Athlete?

David: In a word: Shee-ladipo. Susie and I love the tenacity and diligence that Will Sheehey plays with every minute he is on the court and we love Victor Oladipo’s energy, efficiency, and up-tempo defense. As far as a past player goes, we are very fond of Dan Dakich. Dan actually gave Susie a shout out on an ESPN broadcast saying thank you for a painting that she gave to him!

Q: Tell me one of the times that you felt most connected to IU Athletics?

Susie: On July 25th, 1981, David received a patient when he was working in the emergency room. There was a bad car accident just east of Columbus; a man lost control of his vehicle on a two-lane road, hit a culvert, and crashed. The man was rushed to Columbus Regional Hospital in critical condition. It was David who stabilized him and made the call to rush him to Indianapolis. This judgment call not only saved his life, but also saved movement in his upper body. He currently has mobility in his torso, hands, and arms. His legs, however, are paralyzed from the accident. This visitor was Landon Turner of the 1981 National Championship team. This was an extraordinary event that moved us to organize a fundraising benefit for Landon and we’ve maintained a special relationship with him ever since.

Q: Regarding your paintings, where does the inspiration come from and how do you decide what to create?

Susie: I have been painting for over 30 years now. I have worked with watercolors, pastels, mixed media and oil paints. My portfolio includes figurative, portraits, animals, landscape, still life and sports art. I have painted many fraternity and sorority houses over the years and have a poster called “Growing up a Hoosier,” a painting I did of my godson Matt wearing IU trunks. 

Currently, I’m in the process of publishing my interpretation of the “Christian Watford shot” from the Indiana vs. Kentucky game on December 10th, 2011. After David and I witnessed the monumental moment in Assembly Hall together, I knew that I had to recreate it as we saw and felt it. I created an oil painting, entitled The Resurrection, named after the resurgence of Indiana Basketball into the national spotlight. I presented it to Coach Crean as a memento of the fans storming the court after that historic game.  I am offering digital giclees of the painting through my website.

Moments like these, along with what it means to be a Hoosier, are some of the more impactful feelings that inspire Susie. You may view her paintings at susiegregoryfineart.com and they are also available at The Venue, located in Bloomington, IN.

A portion of the proceeds of the sale of The Resurrection will benefit the IU Varsity Club. You can also make a direct donation to support student-athlete scholarships. Make a gift online now or donate by text.

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Taking Laps with Eric Ress The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Indiana swimmer Eric Ress about his college experience and how he chose IU. Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU?A: I come from a small town in Connecticut. So, I felt the most comfortable being here. I wanted to go somewhere where I wasn’t going to be too overwhelmed, but I also wanted a change in scenery. When I came here on my recruiting trip, I vividly remember the sense of “team.”  I know it sounds cliché, but it really felt like a family, I felt very comfortable here. IU was the best place to for me to swim fast and excel academically. Q: Your father swam here from 1975-1979 (1976 Olympian). Did that impact your decision?
A: It’s kind of a funny story. In movies, you see dads pushing their kids to go to their alma mater. My dad never pushed me in those regards. He told me, “I want you to go to the best school you can go to and go wherever you want to go.”  My mom’s from LaPorte, IN, and I have older siblings from up north so I have connections with the state. When I came for my first visit, I knew that I wanted to come here. Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you— coming from high school to IU?
A: My biggest adjustment was not having my parents doing the everyday tasks that you tend to take for granted. Time that I normally would’ve spent studying or resting for practice was spent taking care of myself— cooking meals, doing laundry, etc. Overall, I would say that I had a pretty easy transition. I came in with an attitude that I didn’t want to be that freshman that took a year or two to come into my own. I wanted to make a statement right off the bat. I wanted to contribute points to the team and establish my name. It was tough the first couple of weeks, with the strict swim schedule, but I came into fruition. Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?”A: It’s really just the whole idea that all the athletes, the student body, and the alumni are all in it for you. IU is really well known for their basketball. Even though they typically are in the spotlight, Olympic sports get a lot of recognition and support as well. We had two bronze medalists in the Olympics. We had an NCAA champion on the track team. The list goes on and on. It’s not so much just the people who are here; it’s the alumni, too. I’m not on the IU swim team, I’m an IU athlete. Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club?
A: The scholarship I have enables me to do what I do. It allows me to focus both on my school and my training. Without it, I would probably work a part-time job on campus. I came in with partial athletic and partial academic [scholarship] and that was a good reminder to me that I have something to work for. I have to earn it. It serves as a motivator to earn my scholarship. When I was a high school senior, my dad asked me what I wanted to do at Conference and NCAA’s next year. I told him I wanted to get a top-eight finish at Conference. He looked straight at me and said, “If you’re on scholarship, you need to be in three top-eight finals. You need to score as many points as you can. You need to earn that scholarship.”  It serves as a motivation. There are guys who are on the team who aren’t on scholarship and are NCAA finalists. They’re vying for individual national titles and they might not be on scholarships. They deserve it just as much as I do and it serves as constant reminder that I am an ambassador of the university as someone who represents IU both athletically and academically. Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them?
A: I would want him or her to know that they made a lasting impression on me. Once I become an established professional, I hope to pay it forward and contribute towards a new generation of IU, athletes. If I could meet these people, I would definitely let them know that I plan on giving back just as they gave to me. Read more about Eric Ress. When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Eric. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.
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Student-Athlete Spotlight: Taking Laps with Eric Ress

The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Indiana swimmer Eric Ress about his college experience and how he chose IU.

Q: Before committing, what did you find most attractive about IU?
A: I come from a small town in Connecticut. So, I felt the most comfortable being here. I wanted to go somewhere where I wasn’t going to be too overwhelmed, but I also wanted a change in scenery. When I came here on my recruiting trip, I vividly remember the sense of “team.”  I know it sounds cliché, but it really felt like a family, I felt very comfortable here. IU was the best place to for me to swim fast and excel academically.

Q: Your father swam here from 1975-1979 (1976 Olympian). Did that impact your decision?

A: It’s kind of a funny story. In movies, you see dads pushing their kids to go to their alma mater. My dad never pushed me in those regards. He told me, “I want you to go to the best school you can go to and go wherever you want to go.”  My mom’s from LaPorte, IN, and I have older siblings from up north so I have connections with the state. When I came for my first visit, I knew that I wanted to come here.

Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you— coming from high school to IU?

A: My biggest adjustment was not having my parents doing the everyday tasks that you tend to take for granted. Time that I normally would’ve spent studying or resting for practice was spent taking care of myself— cooking meals, doing laundry, etc. Overall, I would say that I had a pretty easy transition. I came in with an attitude that I didn’t want to be that freshman that took a year or two to come into my own. I wanted to make a statement right off the bat. I wanted to contribute points to the team and establish my name. It was tough the first couple of weeks, with the strict swim schedule, but I came into fruition.

Q: How would you describe the “Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team?”
A: It’s really just the whole idea that all the athletes, the student body, and the alumni are all in it for you. IU is really well known for their basketball. Even though they typically are in the spotlight, Olympic sports get a lot of recognition and support as well. We had two bronze medalists in the Olympics. We had an NCAA champion on the track team. The list goes on and on. It’s not so much just the people who are here; it’s the alumni, too. I’m not on the IU swim team, I’m an IU athlete.

Q: As a scholarship athlete, how do you most benefit from the aid you receive from the Varsity Club?

A: The scholarship I have enables me to do what I do. It allows me to focus both on my school and my training. Without it, I would probably work a part-time job on campus. I came in with partial athletic and partial academic [scholarship] and that was a good reminder to me that I have something to work for. I have to earn it. It serves as a motivator to earn my scholarship.

When I was a high school senior, my dad asked me what I wanted to do at Conference and NCAA’s next year. I told him I wanted to get a top-eight finish at Conference. He looked straight at me and said, “If you’re on scholarship, you need to be in three top-eight finals. You need to score as many points as you can. You need to earn that scholarship.”  It serves as a motivation. There are guys who are on the team who aren’t on scholarship and are NCAA finalists. They’re vying for individual national titles and they might not be on scholarships. They deserve it just as much as I do and it serves as constant reminder that I am an ambassador of the university as someone who represents IU both athletically and academically.

Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them?

A: I would want him or her to know that they made a lasting impression on me. Once I become an established professional, I hope to pay it forward and contribute towards a new generation of IU, athletes. If I could meet these people, I would definitely let them know that I plan on giving back just as they gave to me.

Read more about Eric Ress.

When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Eric. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.
IU Trustees Approve Naming IU Softball Stadium “Andy Mohr Field” in Honor of Gift to IU Athletics IU Athletics announced that it will officially name its new softball facility “Andy Mohr Field” in honor of a major gift from Mohr, CEO of Plainfield-based Andy Mohr Automotive Group. The Indiana University Board of Trustees officially approved the name of the stadium when it met on Friday, December 7. “Andy Mohr has been a long-time supporter of the IU Varsity Club,” said Fred Glass, IU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “This new and significant gift, combined with Andy’s ongoing Varsity Club support speaks volumes about his commitment to the success of IU Athletics. We are incredibly grateful to Andy, and his wife Lorna, for helping us provide IU student-athletes with world-class resources and facilities. We could not be more thrilled to dedicate the new stadium this spring and formally name it in Andy’s honor.” Read more of this story.Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Mohr for making it possible for our softball team to compete in a modern, state-of-the-art facility! View softball and baseball construction photos. To learn more about baseball and softball projects, visit our Capital Projects web page.
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IU Trustees Approve Naming IU Softball Stadium “Andy Mohr Field” in Honor of Gift to IU Athletics

IU Athletics announced that it will officially name its new softball facility “Andy Mohr Field” in honor of a major gift from Mohr, CEO of Plainfield-based Andy Mohr Automotive Group. The Indiana University Board of Trustees officially approved the name of the stadium when it met on Friday, December 7.

“Andy Mohr has been a long-time supporter of the IU Varsity Club,” said Fred Glass, IU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “This new and significant gift, combined with Andy’s ongoing Varsity Club support speaks volumes about his commitment to the success of IU Athletics. We are incredibly grateful to Andy, and his wife Lorna, for helping us provide IU student-athletes with world-class resources and facilities. We could not be more thrilled to dedicate the new stadium this spring and formally name it in Andy’s honor.”

Read more of this story.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Mohr for making it possible for our softball team to compete in a modern, state-of-the-art facility!

View softball and baseball construction photos. 
To learn more about baseball and softball projects, visit our Capital Projects web page.

Student-Athlete Spotlight: In the Head of Hoosier Bronze Medalist Derek Drouin The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Indiana high jumper Derek Drouin to learn more about him and his experiences at the Olympic games this past summer. Q: You are originally from Ontario Canada; so, why the Hoosiers? A: Coach Helmer reached out to me for a visit. I liked the competiveness and the attention that athletics gets here. It’s incredible, the amount of support and benefits that you get from being an athlete. I realize that most schools will put in a lot of effort and resources into their sports teams, but the tradition was important to me and the team was already strong when I came in. Q: Coming from Canada, what was the biggest adjustment? A: It actually wasn’t that big of a deal. Canada and the States are pretty similar; a lot of the time I forget that I’m not even in the same country. Q: How would you interpret the Spirit of Indiana? A: The easiest and best way for me is just to look every year at the awards banquet and just to see the athletes who win the “Spirit of Indiana Award.” (Read “IU Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at Spirit of Indiana Showcase,” April 23, 2012). Just looking to see who they are as people just defines it. They are people who have so much pride in their school, and they do so much for the school, and they’re cheering on every other sport. They do incredible things in academics and athletics and they do great things in general. I think they, as a group, really define the Spirit of Indiana. Q: You’re putting on your jersey, getting ready to compete at NCAA’s. What is that feeling like to bring home hardware, not only for yourself as a 3-time NCAA Champion, but also for the Hoosiers? A: I have an easier time when I’m trying to tell myself I’m doing it for the team. I generally compete a whole lot better at Big Ten and NCAA meets that are scored and that I’m doing it for the team. I love doing as many events as I can to try and score for the team. When I first came in, I went to NCAA’s as the only guy. So, there wasn’t really a team aspect to it and I didn’t do so well. Ever since then, I’ve had other people there and we’ve been competing for a team spot. I love being on a team. Even though Track and Field is an individual sport, there still is a team aspect that makes it easier and more fun. Q: What was it like competing in London this summer? What was it like representing team Canada as well as the Hoosiers? A: Indiana had some incredible athletes in the games this year and we walked away with a couple of medals; it was an honor to be a part of that group. Competing for your country is like nothing other. It was funny, I was out there thinking, “You’re in the Olympic Final, go out and have fun.” I got to a point where I had to start telling myself, “Pretend this is the NCAA championships and you’re trying to compete for Indiana.” That’s what I had to tell myself. I do so well when I compete for a team. It seems silly that I’m at the Olympics and I had to bring myself down to the NCAA Championships, but that’s what I had to do to—pretend that I was trying to win one for Indiana. It sounds silly and I didn’t tell people that for a while, but it served as my motivation. Q: What does your athletic scholarship mean to you? A: Obviously it takes off an incredible monetary burden so it’s nice that you can give something back to the school in that sense. Sure, you can get an academic scholarship and have your education paid for, but it’s nice to get that and represent the school on the track. We do volunteer work with the other sports and you really feel like you’re giving back to the school in some way. Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them? A: Obviously it would be very nice to meet them and thank them and it would just be fun to sit around and tell them how much I appreciate it—all that it’s done for me and all of the things I hope to do in the future because of what they’ve given to me. It’s hard to put into words how much their generosity means. When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Derek. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.
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Student-Athlete Spotlight: In the Head of Hoosier Bronze Medalist Derek Drouin

The IU Varsity Club recently sat down with Indiana high jumper Derek Drouin to learn more about him and his experiences at the Olympic games this past summer.

Q: You are originally from Ontario Canada; so, why the Hoosiers?

A: Coach Helmer reached out to me for a visit. I liked the competiveness and the attention that athletics gets here. It’s incredible, the amount of support and benefits that you get from being an athlete. I realize that most schools will put in a lot of effort and resources into their sports teams, but the tradition was important to me and the team was already strong when I came in.

Q: Coming from Canada, what was the biggest adjustment?

A: It actually wasn’t that big of a deal. Canada and the States are pretty similar; a lot of the time I forget that I’m not even in the same country.

Q: How would you interpret the Spirit of Indiana?

A: The easiest and best way for me is just to look every year at the awards banquet and just to see the athletes who win the “Spirit of Indiana Award.” (Read “IU Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at Spirit of Indiana Showcase,” April 23, 2012). Just looking to see who they are as people just defines it. They are people who have so much pride in their school, and they do so much for the school, and they’re cheering on every other sport. They do incredible things in academics and athletics and they do great things in general. I think they, as a group, really define the Spirit of Indiana.

Q: You’re putting on your jersey, getting ready to compete at NCAA’s. What is that feeling like to bring home hardware, not only for yourself as a 3-time NCAA Champion, but also for the Hoosiers?

A: I have an easier time when I’m trying to tell myself I’m doing it for the team. I generally compete a whole lot better at Big Ten and NCAA meets that are scored and that I’m doing it for the team. I love doing as many events as I can to try and score for the team. When I first came in, I went to NCAA’s as the only guy. So, there wasn’t really a team aspect to it and I didn’t do so well. Ever since then, I’ve had other people there and we’ve been competing for a team spot. I love being on a team. Even though Track and Field is an individual sport, there still is a team aspect that makes it easier and more fun.

Q: What was it like competing in London this summer? What was it like representing team Canada as well as the Hoosiers?

A: Indiana had some incredible athletes in the games this year and we walked away with a couple of medals; it was an honor to be a part of that group. Competing for your country is like nothing other. It was funny, I was out there thinking, “You’re in the Olympic Final, go out and have fun.” I got to a point where I had to start telling myself, “Pretend this is the NCAA championships and you’re trying to compete for Indiana.” That’s what I had to tell myself. I do so well when I compete for a team. It seems silly that I’m at the Olympics and I had to bring myself down to the NCAA Championships, but that’s what I had to do to—pretend that I was trying to win one for Indiana. It sounds silly and I didn’t tell people that for a while, but it served as my motivation.

Q: What does your athletic scholarship mean to you?

A: Obviously it takes off an incredible monetary burden so it’s nice that you can give something back to the school in that sense. Sure, you can get an academic scholarship and have your education paid for, but it’s nice to get that and represent the school on the track. We do volunteer work with the other sports and you really feel like you’re giving back to the school in some way.

Q: If you had the opportunity to meet the donors who paid for your scholarship, what would you say to them?

A: Obviously it would be very nice to meet them and thank them and it would just be fun to sit around and tell them how much I appreciate it—all that it’s done for me and all of the things I hope to do in the future because of what they’ve given to me. It’s hard to put into words how much their generosity means.

When you join the Varsity Club, you make opportunities possible for student-athletes like Derek. Make a gift online now or donate by text to support student-athlete scholarships.

At the Varsity Club, we are frequently asked about ways donors can earn more priority points. Priority Points are used for preferred seating at football and men’s basketball games. The more priority points you have, the better your seats at games. There are many ways to earn priority points, such as being a season ticket holder each year, supporting the IU Varsity Club, and becoming an IU Alumni Association member. This year, we launched a new series that delves in a little deeper on methods you can utilize to increase both your accumulative and non-accumulative priority point total each year. Each Priority Point Spotlight focuses on a different area where you can earn more points. Priority Point Spotlight #1: Ambassador Referral Program Priority Point Spotlight #2: Continuous Years As A Season Ticket Holder Priority Point Spotlight #3: Continuous Years As A Varsity Club Donor Priority Point Spotlight #4: Memorial Stadium Glory Plaza Bricks Priority Point Spotlight #5: IU Alumni Association Members Priority Point Spotlight #6: Gifts to the Athletic Endowment Priority Point Spotlight #7: Gifts to Other Athletic Areas Priority Point Spotlight #8: Well House Society Priority Point Spotlight #9: Gifts to IU Priority Point Spotlight #10: Priority Point Rank Ready to take the first step? Visit our priority points web page and our frequently asked questions to learn more about priority points and how you can earn more. Or, join the Varsity Club today to begin accumulating your own priority points. Make a gift online now or donate by text.
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At the Varsity Club, we are frequently asked about ways donors can earn more priority points. Priority Points are used for preferred seating at football and men’s basketball games. The more priority points you have, the better your seats at games.

There are many ways to earn priority points, such as being a season ticket holder each year, supporting the IU Varsity Club, and becoming an IU Alumni Association member.

This year, we launched a new series that delves in a little deeper on methods you can utilize to increase both your accumulative and non-accumulative priority point total each year. Each Priority Point Spotlight focuses on a different area where you can earn more points.

Ready to take the first step?

Visit our priority points web page and our frequently asked questions to learn more about priority points and how you can earn more. Or, join the Varsity Club today to begin accumulating your own priority points. Make a gift online now or donate by text.

A Special Thank You to IU Varsity Club Donors.

Softball infielder Shelby Gogreve sings Natalie Merchant’s “Kind and Generous” at the Varsity Club’s annual Champion’s Dinner, August 10, 2012.

Support student-athlete scholarships. Make a gift online now or donate by text.

Donor Spotlight: Giving It His All “If I had one more hit in me, I’d offer it up,” says Joe Ford, former president of the National Board of Directors for the Varsity Club. “Since I can’t, I’ll give everything I can to the Varsity Club. You just have to do it.”  You’d expect nothing less from an IU Football alum from the era of Bill Mallory. After walking on to the team in 1982, Ford went through what he calls the toughest experience of his life during spring training.  “Every day, I’d go up to my room after practice and shakily mark off another day on the calendar with my marker. It was as tough an experience as you can go through without experiencing military combat.”  Nonetheless, Ford persisted, eventually winning a place in the starting lineup-and an athletic scholarship to boot.  “Look, if I can walk on to the football team and work my way into the starting lineup, there’s nothing I can’t do. You just have to set your goals and keep going ‘til you get there.”  Those years on the football team went a long way toward shaping the man Joe Ford would become-and still is today.  It was that determination that helped him achieve one of his long-term goals for the IU Athletic Department-closing in the North End Zone.  “From day one, it’s been my goal to make sure our facilities are as good as or better than any of our competition. And we’ve done it. It’s got wow power-recruits come in and can’t believe their eyes.” According to Ford, though, this is just the beginning.  “I’m very optimistic about the future. We’ve made the long-term investments that put our student-athletes on a winning path. Now we’ve just got to give them the support they need to succeed.” And that’s just what he aims to do.  “I want to make IU as successful as it can be. That’s been my goal since I gave my first $50 check back in 1987, and that’s what it will always be. It’s one thing to be a fan, but I want to be a difference-maker.”  One thing’s for certain: The Varsity Club is a better organization because of his support. And the IU Athletics Department will never be the same.   Originally published in the Varsity Club 2010-2011 Annual Report.  Support student-athlete scholarships. Make a gift online now or donate by text.
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Donor Spotlight: Giving It His All

“If I had one more hit in me, I’d offer it up,” says Joe Ford, former president of the National Board of Directors for the Varsity Club. “Since I can’t, I’ll give everything I can to the Varsity Club. You just have to do it.” 

You’d expect nothing less from an IU Football alum from the era of Bill Mallory. After walking on to the team in 1982, Ford went through what he calls the toughest experience of his life during spring training. 

“Every day, I’d go up to my room after practice and shakily mark off another day on the calendar with my marker. It was as tough an experience as you can go through without experiencing military combat.” 

Nonetheless, Ford persisted, eventually winning a place in the starting lineup-and an athletic scholarship to boot. 

“Look, if I can walk on to the football team and work my way into the starting lineup, there’s nothing I can’t do. You just have to set your goals and keep going ‘til you get there.” 

Those years on the football team went a long way toward shaping the man Joe Ford would become-and still is today. 

It was that determination that helped him achieve one of his long-term goals for the IU Athletic Department-closing in the North End Zone. 

“From day one, it’s been my goal to make sure our facilities are as good as or better than any of our competition. And we’ve done it. It’s got wow power-recruits come in and can’t believe their eyes.”

According to Ford, though, this is just the beginning. 

“I’m very optimistic about the future. We’ve made the long-term investments that put our student-athletes on a winning path. Now we’ve just got to give them the support they need to succeed.” And that’s just what he aims to do. 

“I want to make IU as successful as it can be. That’s been my goal since I gave my first $50 check back in 1987, and that’s what it will always be. It’s one thing to be a fan, but I want to be a difference-maker.” 

One thing’s for certain: The Varsity Club is a better organization because of his support. And the IU Athletics Department will never be the same.  

Originally published in the Varsity Club 2010-2011 Annual Report. 

Support student-athlete scholarships. Make a gift online now or donate by text.