Marian University received a $12 million gift this week from Fred and Judy Klipsch to fund its Educators College. The gift comes as the university enters the public phase of a fundraising campaign that will generate $150 million by 2021, and an additional $100 million by 2025. Klipsch is the former owner of Indianapolis-based Klipsch Audio Technologies, which was purchased by Audiovox Corporation in 2011. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Marian University.
“This is a key moment in our history at Marian University,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “This gift from Fred and Judy is a major statement that continues their legacy where they believe that every child deserves a great educator. Fred and Judy are leaders in education and have been involved in every effort to make Indiana a great place where young people can thrive. This commitment is a continuation of their legacy and will allow Marian University to drive results where we become the best developer of educational talent for K-12 schools.”
The gift is designated to support The Educators College scholarships and exceptional faculty and staff. This commitment will establish the Judy L. Klipsch Angel Educators Scholarship to support disadvantaged students who want to become educators. Marian University will rename the college the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College.
“We've all been influenced by effective teachers in our life," Fred Klipsch said. “I doubt that anyone who has been successful can say they have not been impacted by teachers. Too many schools of education at other campuses are not as effective as they should be, and Marian’s new agenda is about producing better teachers and better leaders. And, they are going to accomplish that goal. I’m looking forward to the agenda of the program and believe there are a variety of outside foundations and resources that should give serious consideration to Marian University and to The Educators College. And, at some level, I will expect to continue helping them in that regard.”
Marian University has made great strides in fundraising for The Educators College since launching just over one year ago. The Klipsch gift brings the total gifts raised for The Educators College to nearly $20 million from private donors, corporations and foundations. These gifts are designed to help elevate the education profession and build a talented pipeline of teachers and school leaders for Indiana and beyond.
Klipsch’s gift was announced during Marian University’s 80th anniversary gala at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. The university also used the occasion to publicly announce a fundraising initiative that it hopes will raise $250 million by 2025. The university has established a goal of raising $150 million of the total by 2021, and said that the Klipsch gift brings the total raised during the silent phase to more than $90 million.
About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University (www.marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 4,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana’s 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide. Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 38 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won back-to-back NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championships in 2016 and 2017.
