50 and Forward: USI Foundation celebrates its golden anniversary

The USI Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. What began as a gift of two $100 bills in 1968 from former mayor Frank F. McDonald Sr. and his wife, Cloedeen, has grown to over $130 million in assets. 

In 2016-2017, $2.5 million in scholarships was awarded to USI students. Charitable gifts to the Foundation also provide student participation in academic and artistic competitions and fund faculty development opportunities, such as research and conference attendance. Access to thought-provoking art and theatre is one of many ways the Foundation enhances our campus. 

Throughout the year, you can take part in events for the Foundation's "50 & Forward" celebration. USI retirees and other guest speakers will be returning to campus to talk about the University's and Foundation's shared history through a storytelling series. USI Foundation also invites you to a 50th anniversary performance of mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. More details are available online. 

As a fun way to test your USI Foundation knowledge, and maybe learn a few facts along the way, see if you can fill in all the answers on the "50 and Forward" crossword puzzle, available as a printable pdf. Answers will be revealed Friday, March 9.