Thanks to generous estate gifts from Arbutus Society members, Sankalp Sharma was able to fulfill his dream of attending IU. Now a proud Hoosier alum, Sharma shares why the philanthropic support he received has inspired him to give back in the future.
Our supporters give for many different reasons and in many different ways. Each one has helped make IU what it is today. As donor Milt Stewart put it, “It’s literally hard to imagine this university without the philanthropy that has occurred over its lifetime. From multiple buildings to professorships, programs, scholarships—all of those exist in their current form because of philanthropy.”
Meet some of IU’s generous supporters.
“It brings me immense joy to see this gift support students during my lifetime.”
Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez and his family sought shelter in the United States after the Cuban Revolution. After becoming a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Gonzalez went on to become the dean of IU’s School of Education. To give future Hoosiers a “helping hand,” he has created scholarship support in his estate plan.
“I owe everything to Indiana University.”
Eleanor Cox Riggs has been a true Hoosier fan her whole life and a donor for over 40 years. Her many gifts include creating a professorship and establishing a gift in her will.
“I would like all students to have the opportunity that I had.”
As a child, Marvin Crell spent four years imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. He survived and moved to Indiana, where IU provided his entrance into the world of law. He and his wife, Harriet, used gifts from their IRAs to establish an endowed scholarship.
“I want to help the next generation of students.”
Chris Conner struggled with the deaths of both parents during college, only making it through with the help of his professors. He made a gift to IU in his will while he was still in grad school.
“I was lucky to graduate with no debt.”
Dr. Jean Creek worked his way through IU and IU School of Medicine—a feat few students can manage with the cost of education today. To help, he and his wife, Doris, created four scholarships for medical students.
“We wanted the scholarship to embody her spirit.”
IU Professor Chaman Jain was molded by the generous spirit of his late wife, Santosh. He and his children honored her memory by creating a graduate scholarship that will help shape young lives.
“Judi and I have developed wonderful friendships.”
Milt and Judi Stewart found joy and friendship through IU boards and alumni life. They honored these friendships with gifts to meaningful areas, including the IU Art Museum.
“We've had great satisfaction in our life with IU.”
Professor Lee Suttner spent wonderful summers with students and his family at IU’s Geologic Field Station in Montana. His charitable remainder trust will help sustain the station and open it up to more students.
“Indiana University opened up a whole world to me.”
After earning two master’s degrees at IU and enjoying a long career, Marvin Moody has retired near Bloomington. He created an annual fellowship for a graduate student studying French linguistics.
“I learned so much. I learned to never stop learning.”
Lucretia Scammahorn went to the IU School of Nursing to help others. After a fulfilling career and many volunteer activities, she made a gift in her will, continuing to help others by creating two scholarships.
“Whenever I realized a need, I went back to school.”
Dr. Louise Goggans earned three degrees from IU—a life-changing education that helped her confront community health concerns. She used a charitable gift annuity to bring more recognition to the allied health sciences.
Honoring his wife with a legacy gift
Dr. Monroe Gilbert’s late wife, Sarah, earned her PhD from IU and performed the works of Puccini throughout her career. In her honor, Dr. Gilbert established a fellowship in voice so that other students can follow in her footsteps.
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