Indiana State University Newsroom

More than 18 months ago, Mike Alley had a number in mind -- a number that, as he encouraged other members of Indiana State University's leadership to commit to the transformation of the institution, has become a reality.

Mike and Amy Alley, of Carmel have announced their $1 million commitment to March On! -- the aptly named Campaign for Indiana State University.The announcement materialized during the annual ISU Foundation Board of Directors meeting in Indianapolis earlier this fall.

"Indiana State was such an integral part of the development of both of our lives," said Alley, an ISU alumnus. "We experienced outstanding academic preparation, but more importantly, we enjoyed many opportunities to grow personally through the student leadership activities and the lifelong relationships developed during our time at ISU."

Indiana State has been a significant part of the couple's life. Mike Alley is a 1978 graduate of the College of Business, while Amy Alley is a graduate of the College of Education in 1978. The couple's passion for the university has been evident as they have been actively involved in the life of ISU, providing the financial resources to preserve the institution's tradition of strong undergraduate and graduate education for more 20 years.

As a part of their leadership gift, the Alleys will support the new College of Education building through the development of the Micro Education Center, a program and classroom environment allowing first-year education students exposure to real-life classroom experiences. The College of Education is remodeling the former Laboratory School building to a state-of-the-art learning facility that will reopen May 2009.

"Support from our alumni, such as the Alleys, is truly helping our College, University and Campaign," said Brad Balch, dean of the College of Education.

Part of the donation also will go toward the College of Business and student activities, Mike Alley said.

Mike and Amy Alley also demonstrate their devotion to their alma mater through service to the University. Mike is currently president of the Board of Trustees and a member of the foundation board of directors. He has extended his commitment to ISU by accepting the appointment as the chair of the national campaign committee for the March On! Campaign.

March On! The Campaign for Indiana State University is the first comprehensive campaign conducted by the university since its founding in 1865. The campaign name is derived from the school's fight song, "March On You Fighting Sycamores."

"March On! comes at the right time for Indiana State," ISU Foundation President Gene Crume said. "Mike and Amy's generous commitment shows the confidence our alumni and donors have in the university's mission, presence and leadership." The Indiana State University Foundation entered into the campaign as a board directive in January 2008. The campaign, currently in its leadership phase, has targeted an $85 million goal to support four distinct pillars of support: students, faculty, programs, and facilities. The Alleys' contribution will support these campaign pillars.

Mike Alley is excited about the progressiveness of ISU through the March On! Campaign. "We're hopeful that our gift will allow future generations to reap similar rewards as Amy and I did," he said.

Photo:
Mike Alley, president of the Indiana State University Board of Trustees, spoke during an Indiana State University Foundation reception at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this fall. During the event, Alley and his wife Amy announced a $1 million gift to March On! The Campaign for Indiana State University.

Contact: Kim Bloch, communications coordinator, Indiana State University Foundation, 812-237-8875 or kbloch@indstatefoundation.org