Monday, November 20, 2006
SIHE celebrates 40 years with anniversary dinner
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The University recently honored Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. for 40 years of turning dreams into reality for generations of students, and for adding great vitality to the economic development of the southwestern Indiana region. In 1967, Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. (SIHE) raised nearly $1 million to acquire 1,400 acres for the Mid-America University Center – a “development park” for higher education. The first 300 acres was given to Indiana State University for its Evansville campus. Groundbreaking was held June 22, 1968. Since September 1969, the University has occupied 330 acres, mostly donated by SIHE, which still owns more than 1,000 acres for development of higher education opportunities. On April 16, 1985, legislation was signed which made USI a separate state university. The group also spearheaded the effort to provide affordable, nearby housing for University students. The Mid-America Student Housing (MASH) complex opened in 1984. SIHE later acquired a nearby apartment complex and named it Campus Apartments. Ten years later, SIHE donated the complexes, valued at $14 million, to the University. In addressing board members, former board members, and guests, President H. Ray Hoops said, “I know President Emeritus David Rice joins me in saying to you that the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees of the University owe SIHE an enormous debt.” |
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