Marian University 175th Celebration Gala 2026

Join us on October 23 for the Marian University 175th Celebration Gala 2026! It'll be an unforgettable evening celebrating our mission, progress, and community. This annual black-tie‑optional event brings together 2000+ alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and local leaders for an elegant reception, inspiring program and dinner.

REGISTER FOR THE Marian University 175th Celebration Gala 2026

Reserve Your Room at the jw marriott

GALA EVENT DETAILS

Date:
Friday, October 23, 2026

Location:
JW Marriott Indianapolis
10 S. West St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Reception:
6 p.m.

Dinner & Program:
7 p.m.

Attire:
Black-tie optional

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking is available through JW Marriott valet parking, the JW Marriott parking garage, and the Government Center Garage (401 W. Washington St.), which is connected to the JW Marriott by skywalk.

— 2026 DISTINGUISHED HONOREES —

John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year

FRANCIS W. PRICE, JR. MD

Founder and President of Price Vision Group and the Cornea Research
Foundation of America

Francis W. Price, Jr. MD is the founder and president of Price Vision Group and the Cornea Research Foundation of America. He is an internationally recognized ophthalmic surgeon and recipient of the Life Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Charles D. Kelman Innovator’s award from the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, and the Barraquer Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and been principal investigator of more than 150 clinical studies of ophthalmic devices, medications and surgical techniques.

Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni

SCOTT BRUNS ’96

Currently serving on the Marian Board of Trustees

Scott proudly serves on the Board of Trustees, bringing his deep commitment to service and leadership to the University. His entire career at EY has been dedicated to guiding global, public, and private organizations across life sciences, consumer, and manufacturing industries. He has held several influential leadership roles. He often reflects on how his Marian scholarship transformed the trajectory of his life. That gratitude fuels his dedication to the community. Scott has served on the boards of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Indiana, and Visit Indy, consistently working to strengthen the region he calls home.

Franciscan Values Honorees

GARY & KATE HOEFLE

Formerly worked as a local business owner and archdiocese
school teacher

Gary and Kate Hoefle, both retired, formerly worked as a local business owner and archdiocese school teacher. Because of this, they’ve always had a passion for education. They believe that education is power and, by granting someone the opportunity to extend their education, you’re gifting them a whole new world to experience. Luckily, through their scholarship and involvement with Marian University, they’ve been able to do just that—dating back to their first gift, 28 years ago. Their partnership with Marian is particularly special, because both are products of Catholic education (elementary school through college), which shows in their values and mission-commitment.

Franciscan Values Honorees

MIKE & CARLA LEPPERT

Longtime supporters of Catholic education and student scholarships

Carla and Mike Leppert are avid supporters of Catholic education. They, along with the Hoefles and friends, initiated the San Damiano Scholarship to honor their friend Pat Harper ’68. In addition to their Klipsch Educators College scholarship, they actively support St. Luke Catholic School, Cathedral High School, Chatard Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Child Center, The Little Sisters of the Poor, Right to Life of Indianapolis, and Fr. Glenn O’Connor’s Seeds of Hope. Volunteerism and involvement within the community reflect the family values instilled by their parents. Carla is a retired Catholic art teacher, and Mike is a former insurance agency owner, and remains active in the insurance industry.

Emcee: Gerry Dick

Gerry Dick is president of Inside INdiana Business, a division of IBJ Media Corp. He founded Inside INdiana Business television in 1998 and has since become one of Indiana’s most recognized voices in business news, reaching audiences through television, radio, digital media, and podcasts. A four-time recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash, Gerry has also earned numerous honors, including six Emmy Awards for Inside INdiana Business. He is a frequent keynote speaker and moderator on Indiana business and economic issues.

Entertainment: The Indigos

Our Journey to 2030: Always Forward effort is in response to Marian’s 2030 strategic plan. This bold vision for 2030 will require investments of $750 million by 2030. These investments will provide much-needed scholarships, program, and facilities improvements that allow Marian to attract and retain diverse students. Our graduates integrate faith in their profession and are taught the value of lifelong service to their communities.

Chair: Chris Lamothe

— GALA COMMITTEE —

Mike Becher

Joe Breen

Bob Brody

Courtnee Cruz '18

Jeff Curtis '88

Bill C. Drew

Luz Flores '16

Larissa Fox

Christopher Gibson '96

Daryl Graham

Kimmie Hamilton

Greg Jacoby

Mark Kugar

Shelly Langona

Nancy Lorenzano

Joe Moser '00

Pete Munson

Vop Osili

Eddie Rivers

Andreas Sashegyi

April Sasso

Shelly Smith

Gina Terril

Scott Tod

Bob Welch

Maria Wiley

Raul Zavaleta

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Ascension logo featuring an interwoven design of colorful leaves and the word "Ascension" in a bold, blue font.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Reception Sponsor

Al Leighton and Kathy Fox logo

Dessert Sponsor

Recognition on the menu page in the event program
Recognition on digital signage at event
marian.edu/gala website recognition
One table of 10 with preferred placement
$100,000

Entertainment Sponsor

Recognition on stage during band performance
Recognition in printed event program and on digital signage at event
marian.edu/gala website recognition
One table of 10 with preferred placement
$100,000

Video Sponsor

Recognition for the gala videos debuting during the event
Recognition in printed event program and on digital signage at event
marian.edu/gala website recognition
One table of 10 with preferred placement
$75,000

Printed Program Sponsor

Full back page ad in printed program
Recognition in printed event program and on digital signage at event
marian.edu/gala website recognition
One table of 10 with preferred placement
$50,000

Skywalk Sponsor

Platinum Table Sponsor

Recognition in printed event program and on digital signage at event
One table of 10
$10,000

Gold Table Sponsor

Recognition in printed event program
One table of 10
$5,000

Individual Pricing

Individuals: $500
Marian staff and faculty: $250
Marian alumni: $250

Pledges for sponsorships can be fulfilled over three to five years.

All sponsorships at $50,000 or more are eligible to endow a scholarship in the donor/company’s name.

To secure your sponsorship, contact John Finke: 317.955.6202 or email jfinke@marian.edu

Marian University Gala

#MUGala2026

Register for the Marian University 175th Celebration Gala 2026