Monday, February 05, 2007
Ruston estate to drive excellence at the University of Southern Indiana
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Henry W. Ruston, the most generous donor to the USI Foundation, died in December 2005. His estate is responsible for a $5.1 million gift, the single largest USI Foundation bequest to date. A portion of the gift, $4.5 million, is being used to establish the Ruston President’s Endowment for the University of Southern Indiana. The annual distributions from the Ruston President’s Endowment will be used to promote academic excellence as determined by Dr. H. Ray Hoops, the University president. It may be used to fund academic excellence initiatives directly or serve as a match or challenge for programs or capital improvement projects related to academic excellence. The remaining $679,000 is being used as the major funding for a complete renovation of the basketball arena in the Physical Activities Center on campus. Commenting on the generous gift, President Hoops said, “Henry was a big fan of the Screaming Eagles and always listened to the games if he couldn’t attend. His generous gift to assist the athletic program is another fitting tribute to him. “Henry genuinely cared about all of our students. He enjoyed meeting them. He also enjoyed receiving correspondence from them, especially his academic scholarship recipients. He used to slip them what he called “gas money.” Because Henry was a realist he knew the University would need funds in years to come for items that cannot be dreamed of at this time. His goal was to meet the needs of USI students far into the future.” Ruston received an honorary degree from USI in 1995 for his achievements in business and civic affairs. He owned a successful florist business in Evansville. In 2002 the USI Alumni Association gave him the Special Recognition Award for his generous contributions to USI and for his community involvement. The Helen Niednagel Ruston Terrace of the Liberal Arts Center was named for his first wife. Ruston Hall, the fourth residence hall built on campus, bears his name and that of his second wife Betty, who died in 2002. |
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