The University of Southern Indiana Foundation has received a $2.55 million gift from the Lois M. Collier Charitable Trust. This leadership gift will establish the Lois M. and Reginald B. Collier Family Presidential Scholarship Endowment to provide scholarships in perpetuity for Presidential Scholars at USI, beginning immediately.

In 1974, the Colliers founded Research Systems Corporation in Evansville, Indiana, where Reginald served as Chairman. Their advertising research organization was known worldwide as The ARS Group. Lois was a graduate of Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and Reginald graduated from Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Lois and Reginald Collier valued higher education and understood the transformation it brings to one’s life,” says Dr. Ronald Rochon, USI President. “The Collier family’s investment in our University will impact students now and for generations to come. We are thankful for their generosity, but more than anything, we are thankful for their confidence in a USI education.”

The Lois M. Collier Charitable Trust has also supported the New York City Trickle Up Program, The Salvation Army, Bryn Mawr College, Harvard Business School and City Harvest.

“The University of Southern Indiana Foundation is deeply grateful to the co-trustees of the Lois M. Collier Charitable Trust, Robert W. Swan and Daniel Hanley,” noted David A. Bower, President of the USI Foundation.

USI Presidential Scholarships are competitive awards for Indiana residents, providing recipients with awards covering full tuition and housing costs during Fall and Spring Semesters, along with yearly stipends for books and meals. Ten Presidential Scholars are chosen at the beginning of each Fall Semester.

The University of Southern Indiana Foundation Board of Directors honored Robert W. (Bob) Swan ’72 as the 2024 recipient of the Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award on Thursday, May 16 at its quarterly meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors in the Griffin Center on campus.

Swan was selected as the recipient due to his leadership, involvement and personal generosity to the University. He served on the USI Board of Trustees from 1991-95 and has provided years of service to the Romain College of Business Board of Advisors. Swan was key to the establishment of the Accounting Circle to enhance academic excellence.

Additionally, he has served as a Director of the USI Foundation Board for 34 years. While serving as Director, he proposed the establishment of an Audit Committee, which was unanimously approved as a standing committee of the Board. In 1996, Swan received the USI Alumni Service Award, followed by the USI Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. He is also a member of the USI President’s Circle.

“Through his dynamic leadership, direct involvement with many areas of University life over many years, along with his personal generosity and successful efforts in helping others to invest in the University financially, there is no doubt Bob is most deserving of this high recognition,” said David A. Bower, President of the USI Foundation and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement.

The Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award was established in 2006 and first awarded in 2007. Susie Nicholson announced in July 2005 that she planned to retire from USI in August 2006. Foundation Board Director Bob Roeder ’71, a member of the University’s first graduating class, suggested honoring Nicholson for her 20 years of work in the Development Office. At its May 18, 2006, Annual Board Meeting, the USI Foundation Board of Directors adopted an appreciation resolution for Suzanne A. Nicholson.

To be considered for the award, individuals must exercise a strong leadership role in fulfilling the mission of the USI Foundation, and they must embody Nicholson’s dedication and spirit in meeting the needs of USI.