Legacy of Learning: UIndy announces $5.2M gift to establish scholarships for Greyhounds

The University of Indianapolis today announced a major gift—a $5.2 million endowment from the estate of Jack “J.J.” and Mary Kaye (Vanderipe) Ott to make college more affordable for generations of Greyhound students to come.

The love for the University of Indianapolis began when J.J. Ott met Mary Kaye Vanderipe while they were both students at UIndy, or Indiana Central College as it was then known. While still students, they were married in August 1971, the year before J.J. would graduate with a degree in business. The Otts would call Indianapolis home throughout their personal and professional lives together. Mary Kaye would continue to take an assortment of courses over the years from UIndy in accounting, shorthand, and personnel management.

“The establishment of the Jack and Mary Kaye Ott Scholarship at the University of Indianapolis will inspire countless future Greyhounds to chase their dreams and allow our graduates to find their own love story here,” said UIndy President Tanuja Singh. “As we establish and expand UIndy Online and the Sease Institute to meet the growing needs for post-traditional education, I’m excited that we will be able to more easily and effectively help lifetime learners like Mary Kaye.”

After J.J. Ott graduated in 1972, he served in the U.S. Navy and eventually pursued a successful career in healthcare administration. Mary Kaye was a secretary in the Accounts Receivable Financing and Communications Financing divisions at the Indianapolis Morris Plan before being promoted to secretary to the President. In her personal time, she enjoyed boating, swimming and sewing.

“We are deeply touched by this extremely generous demonstration of the Otts’ lifelong dedication to the university where their love story began,” said UIndy Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Daniels.  “Their gift will provide students in all stages of their learning journey an opportunity to enjoy the life-changing education provided by the University of Indianapolis.”

J.J. passed away in October 2002, at the age of 60. At the time of his passing, he encouraged family and friends to make memorial gifts to the University of Indianapolis.

Mary Kaye passed away in her Indianapolis home in October 2023, at the age of 82.

The Otts were students during the final years of President I. Lynd Esch’s leadership and the first years of President Gene Sease who began serving in 1970.