Thursday, April 29, 2010

USI to hold dedication ceremony for Robert M. Kent Family Fountain

Photo Credit: USI Photo Services HI-RES | WEB RELATED VIDEO:  RELATED AUDIO:  Contact for more information: Wendy Knipe Bredhold Media Relations Specialist, News & Information Services 812/461-5259 email The University of Southern Indiana will hold a dedication for the new Robert M. Kent Family Fountain at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8. The fountain is located in the center of the roundabout at the entrance to campus and is the central feature of the University's new "front door." The fountain's 15 columns of water will vary in height from four to six feet. The entry feature also includes new directional signage and additional landscaping with dozens of new trees. Robert M."Robbie" Kent provided a leadership gift to establish an endowment to benefit the academic programs of the University in perpetuity. "The naming of the fountain recognizes the generous support of the Kent Family to the University of Southern Indiana. It will transform the entrance to the campus and be the welcoming point for thousands of students and visitors. We thank Robbie Kent and his family for their investment in the future of USI," said USI President Linda L. M. Bennett. President Bennett will preside over the ceremony, with remarks by John Dunn, chair of the USI Board of Trustees. A reception will be held on the lawn of the Health Professions Center following the ceremony. Kent built a distinguished career in the automotive industry. Through the support of his family, his affinity for automobiles, and his competitive nature, he owned and operated 11 automotive franchises. He was chairman and chief executive officer of Kenny Kent Toyota Lexus and Kenny Kent Chevrolet. In 1967, he was a member of the first USI Eagles men's basketball team. He learned an appreciation of the game and the value of intercollegiate athletics. He was introduced to the challenges of funding athletic programs and he has supported the USI Athletic Department with in-kind gifts to help meet transportation needs of the teams. He is a member of the Screaming Eagles Varsity Club. During the first capital campaign at USI, Kent served as honorary alumni campaign chair for the College of Business. His generous gift and his work as chair increased scholarship and faculty development opportunities. The Kent family continues to support higher education in the public sector with a Kent Family Endowment for a Presidential Scholarship at USI. Kent received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from USI at the 2009 Commencement. He and his wife Marguerite, a 1972 USI graduate, have four children and three grandchildren.

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