April 27, 2017
Indiana University Vice-President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass announced today a major gift from Ambassador Randall L. Tobias and his wife Deborah Tobias to the “For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign” in support of IU Athletics. In recognition of their significant contribution, the new state-of-the-art nutrition facility and dining space in the new IU Excellence Academy will be named the “Tobias Nutrition Center,” and the new courtside hospitality area in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall has been named the “Tobias Champions Locker Room.”
The main dining area will have seating available for 300 people with various table sizes and includes large windows to allow for natural light and magnificent views into Memorial Stadium. Large televisions will be also scattered throughout the area. Lunch and dinner will be served five days a week with a daily breakfast oasis for students. Service will be in a food station concept with stations including Italian, grill, homestyle, subs and wraps, large salad, fruit and soup bar.
“As the TV spots say, 'I wouldn't be where I am today without Indiana University!' It's therefore a real privilege to be able to find ways to give back to IU,” Randall said. “We're particularly excited to be a part of both of these projects - projects that support our student athletes off the field as well as recognize and encourage other donors to continue their support."
Ambassador Tobias holds a B.S. from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, an honorary LL.D. from IU and five other honorary degrees. Randall currently serves as a director of the Indiana University Foundation and has served as chairman of the Kelley School’s Dean’s Advisory Council and as a director of the IU Varsity Club. He was inducted into the Kelley School’s Academy of Alumni Fellows and also received the IU Distinguished Alumni Service Award. He is the immediate past chairman of the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
Deborah retired from professional life in 2001, after a successful career ranging from teaching high school English to serving as the Director of European Sales Operations for Juniper Networks. She is currently involved with the Methodist Health Foundation, the Tindley Accelerated Schools, Central Indiana United Way and the Red Cross Tiffany Circle. Beyond that, her primary focus is to be an always-available grandmother to their six grandchildren.
The Excellence Academy program is one of the most innovative and effective personal development programs in all of intercollegiate athletics. It focuses on the holistic development of the entire person to provide students an exceptional college experience in addition to athletics that will prepare them for an outstanding life experience after athletics. The Excellence Academy complements IU’s world class academic support and athletic performance services to provide comprehensive personal development programs in four major areas to help prepare young men and women for great lives and success after college: leadership and life skills; health and wellness; service learning; and career development. The Excellence Academy helps to teach students how to impact lives, starting with their own, and change the world.
For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign is taking place on all IU-administered campuses including IU Bloomington, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. The campaign will conclude in December 2019 to coincide with IU's bicentennial year celebration in 2020. To learn more about the campaign, its impact, and how to participate, please visit the link below.