UIndy Celebrates Donor Impact at 19th Annual Philanthropy Lunch

Written by Troi Watts

The University of Indianapolis recently hosted its Nineteenth Annual Philanthropy Lunch to recognize and celebrate the impact of donors who generously provide scholarships, awards, and opportunities for UIndy students. The event offers donors a chance to connect with the students they support, while students share updates on their educational journeys at UIndy.

The lunch opened with UIndy students from a wide range of programs presenting their research projects, which covered topics from preparing for geohazards like volcanic eruptions to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of Hoosier high school students.

Mariana De Dios ’26 presented her passion project, Let’s Bridge the Gap!, which identified challenges faced by multilingual students in four local high schools—who make up 30% of the schools’ population—and proposed strategies to address those challenges. Emma Wethington ’27, recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, presented her research on scoria cones, small, steep-sided volcanic landforms, and how they can help communities prepare for the dangerous effects of future eruptions.

Following the student presentations, UIndy President Dr. Tanuja Singh welcomed donors and students with a message of gratitude for their support during a pivotal time in higher education.

“Higher education today is possibly more important than it has ever been before,” said Dr. Singh. “Nearly every report suggests that by the year 2030, 70% more of the jobs in this country will require at least a bachelor’s degree, if not more. And yet, the support for higher education is not quite where it needs to be. And that’s where, of course, you come in.

“Your advocacy matters, your investment in us matters, and, of course, your support matters. I want to thank all of our supporters for believing in us, for believing in our wonderful students, and for your commitment to this great institution.”

Vice President of Advancement Philip Thornton reiterated Dr. Singh’s message by highlighting UIndy’s successes over the past year, including the impressive rankings of UIndy’s occupational and physical therapy programs by U.S. News and World Report, the participation of two UIndy Swim & Dive team members in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the fifth anniversary of UIndy’s live mascot, Grady the Greyhound, the establishment of UIndy Online under inaugural dean Dr. Pamela Wimbush, and the creation of three new programs within the School of Business made possible by a $5 million gift from Stephen F. Fry.

Thornton also shared exciting new developments in UIndy’s philanthropic efforts, such as the establishment of the Randall Martin Brian Mathematical Sciences Faculty Support Fund, the Rev. Pamela Abbey Theatre Program Fund, the George A. Marshall Athletic Fund, the Dee and Kathryn Schaad Award, and the Dr. William Pitt Morgan Medical Scholarship. 

Through the generosity of donors, UIndy is able to offer over 450 endowed scholarships, including scholarships that renew each academic year, to students of various majors and years.

For first-generation college student Maxiel Abreu-Leon ’25, earning the Denzil Webb Memorial Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship reaffirmed her decision to pursue a career in teaching. These opportunities allowed her to make the most of her UIndy experience—from conducting research in the Honors College to inspiring future students as a Greyhound Ambassador. Most recently, she received the School of Education’s Outstanding Elementary Future Educator Award. Her success at UIndy helped her prepare for and secure a full-time position as a dual-language second-grade teacher after graduation in May.

“Your support has not only shaped my education but also my future,” said Abreu-Leon. “As a first-generation college student, education means everything to me. It’s not just about earning the degree—it’s about changing the trajectory of my family’s future. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for investing in students like me. Thank you for believing in our potential, and thank you for making our dreams a reality. Your generosity has done more than just support my education—it’s given me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned and pay it forward.”

As Abreu-Leon’s story illustrates, a strong support system can be life-changing. Dr. Randy Lee ’72 echoed this sentiment by reflecting on the relationships that shaped his journey—from the mentorship he received as a student to the connections he formed throughout his medical career. He credited Dr. Robert Brooker and Dr. Kenneth Borden of the Chemistry Department with helping him earn admission to Indiana University’s School of Medicine, paving the way for a career grounded in compassion and connection.

“I hope as students, as mentors, or as donors here today, that you remember how essential our relationships are,” said Dr. Lee. “No interaction that we have is inconsequential. Tiny things may mean a world of difference to somebody that you’re speaking with, and I owe UIndy for the career and the relationships that I’ve had.”

To learn more about how your gift could impact UIndy and its students, visit uindy.edu/giving.