Journey to 2030 campaign advances toward $750 million goal as university celebrates 25 years of transformational leadership
Marian University has secured $502 million toward its $750 million Journey to 2030 fundraising goal and announced that its planned $72 million facility will be named the Daniel and Elizabeth Elsener Center for Human Flourishing, honoring President Daniel J. Elsener and his wife, Beth, for their more than 25 years of service to the university.
Marian University announced on Friday, October 23, at its annual gala, before nearly 2,000 attendees, a significant milestone in the university's growth and commitment to expanding educational opportunities across Indiana.
Journey to 2030 supports investments in student scholarships, academic innovation, capital projects, and initiatives addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, and communities throughout the state. The campaign's latest milestone reflects the generosity of donors and partners who share Marian's commitment to preparing students for leadership and service.
“Surpassing $500 million is a remarkable expression of generosity and belief in Marian University's mission and future,” said President Daniel J. Elsener. “Beth and I are deeply humbled and honored to have our names on the Center for Human Flourishing. We are grateful for the extraordinary generosity, faith, and commitment of the people who have partnered with Marian over the past 25 years. This new center will prepare future educators and healthcare professionals to serve with faith, care, and the highest professionalism. The Journey to 2030 campaign's major focus is to provide students from all economic backgrounds the resources needed to achieve excellence in learning through exceptional teaching, scholarly activity, and research illumined by faith and grounded in Gospel values.”
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The Daniel and Elizabeth Elsener Center for Human Flourishing recognizes Dan and Beth Elsener's longstanding commitment to Marian University's mission and their contributions to the institution's growth and transformation.
The planned $72 million building will serve as a multidisciplinary academic facility and the new home of Marian University's Klipsch Educators College. It will also support Marian's occupational and physical therapy programs and house administrative offices for the Crossroads Academic Medical Institute.
Together with the renovation of the former Larue Carter Hospital at The Grove at Cold Spring, the two facilities represent a $102 million investment in Indianapolis' near-northwest side, strengthening education, workforce development, and community revitalization.
Since becoming president in 2001, Elsener has guided Marian through a period of significant institutional growth. Under his leadership, Marian College became Marian University in 2009, reflecting the expansion of its academic programs and educational mission.
Among the university's most significant developments during his presidency are the establishment of the Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Klipsch Educators College, and the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering. These initiatives have expanded Marian's role in preparing physicians, educators, engineers, and other professionals to meet Indiana's evolving workforce needs.
Elsener's leadership has also extended Marian's impact beyond its traditional campus through the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID), including The Grove at Cold Spring, a $137 million initiative connecting education, career preparation, and community development. The Grove brings together educational and community partners to create pathways from early learning through higher education and employment.
These investments reflect Marian's Catholic and Franciscan values and its commitment to advancing human flourishing through education, service, and community partnerships.
Investing in Indiana's Future
The next phase of Journey to 2030 focuses on initiatives where Marian University is positioned to address pressing needs and create lasting opportunities.
A central priority is strengthening the Klipsch Educators College. The Daniel and Elizabeth Elsener Center for Human Flourishing will expand opportunities to prepare teachers, support educational research, and strengthen school partnerships.
The campaign also supports the Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine as Marian works to expand the pipeline of primary care physicians serving Indiana, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare remains a significant challenge.
Another priority, Faith in Action, supports students called to lives of service while strengthening opportunities for faith formation, leadership development, and experiences that connect learning with meaningful action.
Additional campaign priorities include investments in Marian's engineering, nursing, and business programs, as well as athletics, campus facilities, and other initiatives supporting student success.
Together, these efforts will strengthen Marian's ability to respond to Indiana's needs and prepare graduates to contribute to their professions and communities.
The $3.8 million raised during the October 23 gala will support student scholarships, reinforcing Marian's commitment to making educational opportunities accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
As Journey to 2030 advances toward its $750 million goal, Marian University remains focused on expanding educational access, strengthening academic excellence, and preparing students to make a lasting difference in their communities.