TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — During Indiana State University’s Be So BOLD campaign, Former Vice President of Administrative Affairs Robert Schafer and his wife, Penny, donated $1 million to help improve the experience of students in and out of the classroom.

Both alumni of ISU, Bob graduated from the Scott College of Business in 1961  and earned his graduate degree in 1963 while Penny graduated with her first bachelor’s in 1967, her master’s in 1970, and her second bachelor’s degree, in nursing, in 1991.

“We are incredibly grateful for this meaningful gift from Bob and Penny,” ISU President Deborah J. Curtis said.  “Donors such as this make all the difference for our programs at Indiana State. The Schafers have always been loyal Sycamore fans and generous in their philanthropy.”

With a dedicated involvement in the ISU Varsity Club, and Sycamore basketball, Bob and Penny have been supporters of Sycamore Athletics for decades.

Thanks to the Schafer’s generous donation, a cash gift, and four endowments will be given to improve parts of Indiana State University. To update the Hulman Center Locker Rooms for ISU’s basketball teams, $200,000 will be distributed.

“Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are true Sycamores in every sense—they want all sports to excel and understand what a successful athletic program and winning basketball team can do for a university. Their gift is profound. These 50-year ticket holders and long-term ISU employees have given so much already with their services over the years. Now, they are stepping up and giving back in a major way for our Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs as well as the Scott College of Business and College of Health and Human Services,” said Indiana State University Athletic Director Sherard Clinkscales.

Another $200,000 will go to support the Risk Management Program at the Scott College of Business, while another $200,000 will go to various programs supporting the School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services. The third and last donation will amount to $400,000 and will be put toward student athletics.

“Bob and Penny’s consistent dedication to Indiana State is inspiring to the entire community,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of the Division of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “They have given back to positively impact the Sycamore experience with their time, commitment, and philanthropy in support of Sycamore Athletics and beyond. We are grateful for their bold generosity.”

For those interested in learning more about or donating to the Be So BOLD campaign, visit Indiana State’s Be So BOLD webpage.

“Over the years, we have seen Indiana State transform into the respectable athletic program that it is today. We are so pleased to give back to Sycamores and give them the opportunity to be successful in their future endeavors,” said Bob and Penny Schafer. “No matter who you are or where you come from, you can always give back. ISU has been beyond impactful in our lives, and we know that this investment will benefit students for many years to come.”