A Columbus couple recently honored for their philanthropic work supporting Indiana University say they feel an obligation to help others around them.
Gregg and Judy Summerville, who are both graduates of IU, received the university’s Keystone Award during the Partners in Philanthropy ceremony last month in Bloomington.
The award was given because of the couple’s exemplary leadership through volunteerism and generosity of multiple Indiana University campaigns or fundraising initiatives.
The Summervilles were among five individuals and a family with three generations of connections to IU who were recognized during the ceremony. A committee of representatives from IUPUI, IU Bloomington and regional campuses select the recipients.
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“These special friends of Indiana University have set an example to which we hope all of our students aspire,” said Daniel C. Smith, IU Foundation president. “Their leadership, service and generosity ensure that IU will remain at the forefront of world-changing research, innovation and progress. All of our honorees truly are partners with us in making IU the special place it is.”
Giving back
The couple, who have been married for 41 years, moved to Columbus in 1977 when Gregg Summerville accepted a finance position with Cummins Inc. He left the company four years later to work as a portfolio manager for Kirr Marbach & Co., where he worked until 2006. He also created Tecumseh Capital Partners in Columbus, managing its assets, and officially retired in 2016.
Judy Summerville worked as a teacher in Pittsburgh and did some substitute teaching when the couple moved to Columbus. Her focus then turned to being a mother with the birth of their first child.
Their involvement in Indiana University philanthropy began when Judy Summerville became a founding member of the IU’s Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, which provides grant funding to students and professors for various projects.
The organization was created in 2011 by Laurie McRobbie, wife of IU President Michael McRobbie, who gathered some women at the university that she had met. The leadership council awards $150,000 annually in grants, Judy Summerville said.
“It was a good way to get more women involved,” she said.
The Summervilles also serve on the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art National Advisory Board. The museum is currently undergoing a remodel and should be a real jewel once it is completed, said Gregg Summerville, who grew up in the Indianapolis suburb of Beech Grove.
“It was something of interest to me when they said, ‘Do you want to be a part of this group?’” he said.
He has been an advisory board member with IUPUC since 2011 and has chaired the board since 2017. He recognized the importance of IUPUC, noting that it is the top choice of colleges for Columbus area high school graduates.
“It’s a way for businesses to retain talent in the community,” he said.
It is also a great option for adults who want to continue their education, Judy Summerville said.
“It’s been helpful to a lot of people who want to do something else,” she said.
Their contributions have allowed the couple to meet many people along the way.
IUPUC contributions
“It’s a natural thing to say, ‘What can we do?’” Judy Summerville said of their approach to giving.
The couple established the Summerville IUPUC Program Support Fund and the Summerville Family Scholarship, which supports first-generation students who have a financial need.
Gregg Summerville said there are many first-generation college students in the area, adding that he wants to help those individuals.
“We feel fortunate we can do that,” he said. “I would hope others have the same feelings as us.”
Judy Summerville said it was gratifying and unexpected to receive the award from IU.
“I know the people that have received it before,” Gregg Summerville said.
To be considered among them is humbling, he said.
The Columbus couple has not only led by example in their giving, but they have opened their home and introduced the Columbus community to the Eskenazi Museum of Art, said Reinhold Hill, vice chancellor and dean at IUPUC.
Hill described both of them as individuals who are patient, kind and strategic.
“They are quick thinkers, willing to raise their hand and help make things happen when they believe in the mission and direction of an organization,” Hill said. “They love IU and want the experiences that they have had to branch out to others and have a greater impact.”
Hill also noted that the Summervilles are exemplary in their leadership and involvement with IU and that their support is wide-ranging — from business to the arts, from Bloomington to Columbus.
“They strongly believe in giving back, and they are some of the most humble people who do not expect special returns for support and involvement,” Hill said. “They are mindful to think of their friends and others they know and to share ideas on how we might engage them and speak with them. And they are willing to reach out to introduce others.”
Judy Summerville said giving back creates a sense of reward.
“I think it’s been a theme for us in general,” Judy Summerville said.
Gregg Summerville also cited the couple’s own personal beliefs and the way they were raised in helping others.
“We have an obligation to do that,” he said.
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Gregg Summerville, 70, graduated from Indiana University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and then earned a master of business administration degree in finance in 1972. He has been an advisory board member with IUPUC since 2011 and has chaired the board since 2017.
In addition, he has been a For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign co-chair since 2014 and a member of the IU Foundation board of directors since 2004. He has served on the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art’s national advisory board since 2015.
Judy Summerville, 69, graduated from IU in 1980 with a master of business administration degree in management information systems. She is a founding member of IU’s Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council that was created in 2011. She has also served on the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art National Advisory Board since 2013.
The Summervilles established the Gregg T. and Judith A. Summerville Endowed Chair in Finance in 1998.
They have been married for 41 years and have two children.
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