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Supporting the University for over 50 Years

October 2018 marked 50 years for the University of Southern Indiana Foundation. Within that time, the USI Foundation's mission statement has remained the same: to attract, acquire, and manage donors’ charitable gifts to support and sustain the goals of the University of Southern Indiana.

Making a gift is always a choice, and the USI Foundation recognizes how fortunate it is for the alumni and friends who made the decision to invest in our students, faculty and programs. The importance of a higher education is the shared value which connects all of us. 

The USI Foundation must always strive to preserve the power of education as the single most important thread that pulls us together in unity of purpose. Leadership and stewardship in these endeavors is strongly attributed to the USI Foundation Board of Directors. 

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is comprised of the officers of the Board, the past chair, and directors-at-large.

Chair Jeffrey L. Wilmes '81
President David A. Bower
Chair Elect Jean M. Blanton '01
Vice Chair for Alumni Melanie N. Rasche '10 M'16
Vice Chair for Development C. Wayne Kinney '77
Vice Chair for Planning Neal A. Franklin
Secretary Sheila L. Huff-Jackson
Treasurer Chris D. Melton '72
Assistant Treasurer Steven J. Bridges ’89 M’95
Administrative Advisor Ronald S. Rochon
Past Chair Trudy J. Stock '86
Nominating Committee Chair Randall L. Haaff ’84

Upcoming Meeting Dates

  • Thursday, November 16, 2023
  • Thursday, February 15, 2024
  • Thursday, May 16, 2024

Former Board Chairs

Joseph E. O’Daniel †
1968–1973

Ronald D. Romain ’73
2003–2006

Albert A. Woll †
1973–1976

Thomas E. Topper †
2006–2008

E. Donald Elliott †
1976–1986

Bix Branson
2008–2010

R. Jack Brunton †
1986–1987

Kevin M. Eastridge
2010–2012

C. Wayne Worthington †
1987–1992

Bruce H. Baker
2012–2014

Ted C. Ziemer Jr. †
1992–1998

Marie Bussing
2014–2016

Robert E. Griffin
1998–2000

Kevin L. Hammett ’90
2016–2018

John M. Dunn
2000–2002

Karen S. Walker
2018-2020

Carolyn S. Georgette †
2002–2003

Trudy J. Stock '86
2020-2022

† Deceased