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UIndy Swimming & Diving honors longtime southside barber/benefactor Thomas Bryant

February 2, 2018 in Impact

Recognition ceremony following a swimming and diving meet to honor donor Thomas Bryant on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. (Photo: D. Todd Moore, University of Indianapolis)
Recognition ceremony following a swimming and diving meet to honor donor Thomas Bryant on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. (Photo: D. Todd Moore, University of Indianapolis)

The University of Indianapolis Swimming & Diving office suite in the Ruth Lilly Center now has a new name: the Bryant Office Suite.

The Bryant Office Suite was dedicated in honor of Thomas and Judy Bryant and their generous philanthropic support of the UIndy Swimming & Diving teams. The dedication took place after the Greyhounds wrapped up their regular season with victories—providing even more reasons to celebrate.

Remarking on the impact of their generous gift, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Sue Willey described it as an investment in a great product—the Swimming & Diving teams.

“These student-athletes get it done in the classroom, off the diving board, in the pool and in our community. Our student-athletes continue to strive for excellence in everything they do,” Willey said.

Tom Bryant has been a barber for 57 years, where he has cut hair for hundreds of faculty, staff and students over the years. Upon retiring, he sold his barbershop and adjoining property along Shelby Street to the University. This fall, he generously donated $100,000 to the University, dedicated specifically for the Swimming & Diving program.

University President Robert Manuel described this moment as a time to commemorate the pipeline of generosity that has existed since the beginning of the University. It also illustrates the strong connections between the University in its surrounding community, which continues to embrace its mission and impact.

“Celebrating this today is truly one of the greatest honors a University president can have. And I’m grateful to Tom for your generosity and your engagement with us in the long term,” Manuel added.  

For more than 35 years, Tom has been using the University’s pool to swim in the Master’s program. He credits the activity with enhancing and extending his life.

Swimming & Diving Head Coach Jason Hite also thanked Tom for his continued partnership with the University and for being a great example to the University’s student-athletes.