A $100 million gift from Indiana University alumni Jeffrey H. and Benita L. Thomasson will transform graduate education at the Kelley School of Business and expand scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The gift is the largest from an individual in IU history and, combined with previous gifts, brings the Thomassons’ total support of IU to more than $111 million.

In honor of their support, the Indiana University Board of Trustees has approved naming the Kelley School’s graduate division the Jeffrey H. Thomasson Graduate School of Business.

“For more than a century, the Kelley School of Business has prepared leaders who have shaped companies and industries in Indiana and around the world. The Thomassons’ extraordinary generosity builds on that proud legacy, creating new opportunities for generations of students and ensuring that IU will continue to lead and shape the future of graduate business education,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “We are deeply grateful to Jeff and Benita for their belief in IU and their transformational investment in our students and their futures.”

The gift represents a transformative investment in graduate business education at Kelley by supporting student success, academic innovation and faculty positions.

“Benita and I have personally experienced how philanthropy and education change lives, and we’re honored to create those same opportunities for current and future IU students,” said Jeff Thomasson. “The Kelley MBA program set the foundation for my career, and this gift is our way of paying forward the investment people made in us. We hope it encourages others to do the same, creating opportunities that will ripple across generations.”

By bringing together 19 graduate programs across IU Kelley Bloomington and Indianapolis, the Thomasson Graduate School of Business will create new opportunities for students to experience real-world mentorship, immersive learning opportunities, advanced AI training and access to emerging technology, and enhanced career services. The gift will also provide support for endowed faculty positions that help attract top talent to the school.

Read the full article about higher education philanthropy at News at Indiana University.