Being proud and supportive of one’s college alma mater can take many forms, but Gregg and Judy Summerville have set the bar high in that regard.
Both are Indiana University graduates. He earned a zoology degree in 1969 and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance in 1972. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree in management information systems in 1980.
Their connection goes far beyond their studies, though. They say they were raised to believe in helping others.
Judy, a former teacher, is a founding member of the IU Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, which was created by Laurie McRobbie, wife of IU President Michael McRobbie. The council awards $150,000 annually in grants.
Gregg, who retired from a career in finance two years ago, has served on the IU Foundation board of directors since 2004, and since 2014 as co-chair of the For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign.
Both serve on the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art National Advisory Board. Among the projects the board has been involved in is a renovation of the museum.
Their support of also IU extends to Columbus. Gregg has been an advisory board member since 2011 at IUPUC — where students can earn degrees from Indiana University and Purdue University — and has chaired the board since 2017.
Gregg and Judy also established in 2017 the Summerville Family Scholarship, which supports first-generation students who have financial need, and the Summerville IUPUC Program Support Fund, to maintain priority programming established by university leaders.
That’s a lot of help for more than a decade to a university system, and a great example of giving back.
And a perfect reason for the school to honor the Summervilles for their philanthropy and support by awarding them the Keystone Award during the Partners in Philanthropy ceremony in June.
The Summervilles’ leadership through volunteerism and philanthropy has been remarkable, and has been a great benefit to IU and IUPUC in the schools’ efforts to serve and educate students.
Benefactors such as the Summervilles deserve a round of thanks for their assistance.
