For Barbara, financing college was always a struggle. She is aware that the challenge still exists for today’s students. “Helping students realize their dreams of a college education is giving back to those who helped me,” she said. “Indiana Central College supported me as I transitioned into adulthood. The classes were valuable but the relationships formed have transcended beyond anything I might have imagined,” she said. “The ICC, now UIndy, bond is strong. Over 50 years since I was a student and yet it seems like yesterday.” Zane and Frances Todd Merit and Leadership Scholars Fund The University of Indianapolis received a $1.8 million planned gift from the Zane and Frances Todd estate after they passed away in 2022. The gift was used to establish the Zane and Frances Todd Merit and Leadership Scholars Fund endowment, which supports students majoring in STEM- related fields, health sciences, and nursing. Zane Todd, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Indianapolis Power and Light Company, served on the UIndy Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1991 and served as the Chair of the Board from 1981 to 1991. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from UIndy in 1993. He and his wife, Frances, who also worked at IPL, were married for 29 years. In honor of Zane’s own background, the scholarships give preference to non-traditional students, including those who are working to fund their education; have been honorably discharged from military service; have children for whom they have financial responsibility; or are married.
ENDURING IMPACT For many alumni, support for the University of Indianapolis doesn’t end at graduation—or even with the gifts they make during their lifetime. Some extend that commitment in a quieter, more enduring way: through their long-term plans. Planned giving simply means making arrangements now to support UIndy in the future, often as part of a will or estate. These gifts are deeply personal. They reflect not just generosity, but a sense of connection to a place, to its people, and to the experiences that shaped a life’s direction. In many cases, donors never see the direct impact of these gifts. That’s part of what makes them distinct. Planned gifts are less about recognition and more about continuity. Ensuring that the education, opportunities, and sense of belonging found at UIndy remain available to the students who come next.
This scholarship has helped ease the burden of
cost and allowed me to refocus on my education and clinical training. More than the financial
▲ Barbara (Hutsell) ’70 and Clay Morris are one couple who have chosen to support future generations of UIndy students in this way. The Morrises, who previously established an endowed scholarship fund in 2021, announced a planned gift of $2.5 million to the University in 2026 to further support students in the future. “Reaching an age of financial stability, it is important to look at ways to share what we have accumulated,” Barbara said. “It is great to be able to direct funds now as well as when we are gone, and I hope that we can inspire others to do the same.”
support, it gave me reassurance, encouragement,
and the motivation to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a nurse. I am
incredibly grateful for this opportunity and hope to one day give back in the
same meaningful way.” — Monique Felix ’27 (Nursing)
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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