Mary Scifres ’87 with Dr. Herbert Cassel
A LEGACY OF IMPACT Giving Back to Move Others Forward
Philanthropy at the University of Indianapolis isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful impact begins with a small, heartfelt commitment—one that grows over time into a lasting legacy. Whether through a small recurring gift or a legacy endowment, each act of giving is a reflection of one person’s story—and a new beginning for someone else’s. For Mary Scifres ’87, the desire to give back began with a simple instinct: to pay it forward. “I received generous scholarships that made my education possible,” she said. “I love being able to help other UIndy students pursue their own academic journeys.” In the years following graduation, even while pursuing multiple advanced degrees, Scifres never missed an annual contribution. That early habit of giving—motivated by gratitude—would grow into a lifelong commitment to supporting students and honoring the mentors who shaped her. Philanthropy, at its core, is about paying it forward. Andy
Hammond ’06 remembers making his first donation to UIndy’s general scholarship fund as soon as he could. “It wasn’t about the size of the gift—it was about showing up and staying connected to a community that helped launch my future,” he said. His business partner and fellow alum Chad Reynolds ’00 recalls working Phone-A-Thons as a student, calling alumni and hoping for a “yes.” Now, he’s the one answering the phone. “It’s come full circle, and for me, it’s a small but meaningful way to pay it forward.” Tejal Patel ’08 shares a similar motivation. “Each time I contribute, it’s a reminder to be thankful for the experiences I had and to give back when and where I can,” she said. As a former scholarship recipient herself, Patel knows firsthand the impact that generosity can have. Now, she gives to both the Scholarship Fund and the Anthropology Department—and makes her support go even further by leveraging her employer’s
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
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