Indiana State University raises $30 million during first year of the public phase of the Be So BOLD Campaign

Indiana State University’s Division of University Advancement announced the achievement of an unprecedented milestone, having raised $30,017,943 in fiscal year 2023.  

This marks the highest annual fundraising amount in the university's history and represents the first time ISU has surpassed the $30 million mark in any given year.   

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors and supporters who have contributed to the Be So BOLD Campaign thus far,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “Together, we have exemplified the spirit of philanthropy and demonstrated how collective generosity can make a bold impact on the lives of countless individuals.”  

The Be So BOLD Campaign, publicly launched in September 2022, has received incredible support from alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. With a clear vision of empowering future generations through transformative education, the campaign aims to ensure a brighter and bolder future for ISU students.  

“Our Indiana State University community is sincerely grateful to our generous donors for their philanthropic support this year. This investment will have a significant impact on the lives of countless students for years to come. Vice President Andrea Angel and our University Advancement team are to be congratulated as they establish new high points in fundraising at ISU. The Be So Bold campaign for Indiana State University brings together great leaders and heartfelt donors to create a lasting tradition to lift up more and more Sycamores as they achieve their dreams to earn an ISU degree,” said Dr. Deborah Curtis, President of Indiana State University.  

More than 6,800 donors made financial contributions in the last year; 1,200 of which were recognized as members of the President’s Society, contributing at least $1,000 in the fiscal year.  

1,565 of those donors gave for the first time this year, and 2,220 reside in the Wabash Valley. The local community contributed $4.5 million to support Sycamores.  

“Our Foundation team, in consort with the campus community and loyal donors, has worked hard to create a culture of philanthropy that ultimately transforms the lives of students,” said Rich Porter, chair of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors and ’77 ISU graduate. “I am thrilled that we achieved a record fundraising year and congratulate the entire team for their continued efforts during the Be So BOLD Campaign.”   

Donor dollars allow the university to foster innovation, expand academic offerings, and provide greater access to education for students from diverse backgrounds.  

Gifts to the university’s endowment totaled more than $12.6 million and 19 new endowed funds were created, providing more scholarship opportunities to current and future Sycamores.  

This fundraising year was capped by the largest individual donation in university history: $8 million from Steve Bailey, a 1970 alumnus, and his wife Gloria to name the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology.   

"We are thrilled to announce the extraordinary success of fundraising in the past year, as we surp

assed our goal and made history," said Angel. "The overwhelming support from our donors during the Be So BOLD Campaign has truly been awe-inspiring, and their belief in our mission continues to enable us to enhance the educational experience for Sycamores."   

During the Be So BOLD Campaign, Indiana State University has set the goal of raising $100 million by June 30, 2025, with a focus on student scholarships, experiential learning, Sycamore Athletics, and faculty excellence.  

Visit www.BeSoBoldISU.com for more information about the Be So BOLD campaign.