Gift supports Klipsch Educators College students as Marian builds on its mission and momentum
Marian University has received a $1 million anonymous gift honoring President Daniel J. Elsener and his wife, Beth, for their 25 years of service to the university and their lifelong commitment to Catholic education. The gift is a new investment in the Catholic and Franciscan mission that has guided Marian’s growth and will continue to shape its future.
The gift will provide scholarship support for students in Marian University’s Fred S. Klipsch Educators College who aspire to teach and serve in Catholic schools. By helping prepare future educators, it will carry Marian’s mission into classrooms and strengthen the next generation of Catholic schools.
“We are making this gift in honor of Dan and Beth Elsener for their 25 years of service to Marian University and lifelong commitment to Catholic education, and out of deep appreciation for their service to the Indianapolis community,” the anonymous donor said.
Elsener has led Marian University since 2001, overseeing significant growth in enrollment, academic programs, facilities, and the university’s impact in Indianapolis and beyond. In September, Marian announced a planned leadership transition: Elsener will become president emeritus on July 1, 2027, and Dr. Kenith C. Britt, a Marian leader for more than a decade, will become president. This gift reflects the continuity at the heart of that transition. Marian’s leadership is changing, but its mission and commitment to preparing transformational leaders remain strong.
“Beth and I are deeply grateful for this generous gift and humbled that it was made in recognition of our years of service to Marian University,” President Elsener said. “Supporting students in the Klipsch Educators College who feel called to teach in Catholic schools is especially meaningful. These future educators will carry Marian’s mission into classrooms and help form generations of young people through faith, learning, and service.”
The scholarship support reflects Marian University’s longstanding commitment to preparing educators who are academically strong, mission-grounded, and ready to serve students and families. Through the Klipsch Educators College, Marian prepares teachers and school leaders to serve in Catholic, public, charter, and other educational settings.
This $1 million gift is another example of Marian’s momentum in building transformational leaders. It honors the Elsener family’s commitment to Catholic education while investing in students who will extend that work for years to come. Marian is not slowing down: rooted in its Catholic and Franciscan mission, the university continues to pursue new opportunities to serve students, schools, and communities.