
Edson Sample Makes Major Gift to 'For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign' in Support of The Excellence Academy
4/18/2018 3:00:00 PM | Varsity Club
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass announced today a major gift by IU alumnus Edson W. Sample in support of the IU Athletics Excellence Academy being constructed in the south end zone of Memorial Stadium. In recognition of his gift, the Excellence Academy's top level will be named Sample Terrace.
Sample Terrace will help radically enhance the game day experience in Memorial Stadium this fall. As the new home to Knothole Park, the space will feature family-friendly activities, local food vendors, and a membership program for children.
"Few people have impacted Indiana University to the degree that Edson has, and we extend our deepest thanks for this generous gift," Glass said. "Sample Terrace will be a wonderful feature of the Excellence Academy, something all Hoosier fans can enjoy. We're so appreciative of Edson making it a reality."

Edson Sample came to Indiana University after spending most of his childhood living outside the Hoosier state. He has devoted his life to IU and, as a result, created a lasting legacy for the Sample name.
In 1961, Sample began working in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aids, where he remained until his retirement in 1990. He has earned many honors and awards, most recently receiving the School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award (2017). His generous contribution towards the Excellence Academy marks Sample's second capital gift to IU. In 1987, he funded construction of Sample Gates, which he dedicated to his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr.
The Indiana University Excellence Academy will be the foundation of IU Athletics' promise to its students. It will offer them comprehensive support with the use of cutting-edge technology; protect their health, safety and wellness; maximize their athletic potential; help them develop leadership and life skills; and build a culture of trust and respect. The academy is a living embodiment of IU's Student-Athlete Bill of Rights – an environment where IU Athletics can serve its scholars in mind, body and spirit, while preparing them to be successful in life outside the university.
This gift counts toward the $3 billion campaign, For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign.
For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign is taking place on all IU-administered campuses including IU Bloomington, IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast. The campaign will conclude in June 2020 to coincide with IU's bicentennial year celebration. To learn more about the campaign, its impact and how to participate, visit forall.iu.edu.
Sample Terrace will help radically enhance the game day experience in Memorial Stadium this fall. As the new home to Knothole Park, the space will feature family-friendly activities, local food vendors, and a membership program for children.
"Few people have impacted Indiana University to the degree that Edson has, and we extend our deepest thanks for this generous gift," Glass said. "Sample Terrace will be a wonderful feature of the Excellence Academy, something all Hoosier fans can enjoy. We're so appreciative of Edson making it a reality."

Edson Sample came to Indiana University after spending most of his childhood living outside the Hoosier state. He has devoted his life to IU and, as a result, created a lasting legacy for the Sample name.
In 1961, Sample began working in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aids, where he remained until his retirement in 1990. He has earned many honors and awards, most recently receiving the School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award (2017). His generous contribution towards the Excellence Academy marks Sample's second capital gift to IU. In 1987, he funded construction of Sample Gates, which he dedicated to his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr.
The Indiana University Excellence Academy will be the foundation of IU Athletics' promise to its students. It will offer them comprehensive support with the use of cutting-edge technology; protect their health, safety and wellness; maximize their athletic potential; help them develop leadership and life skills; and build a culture of trust and respect. The academy is a living embodiment of IU's Student-Athlete Bill of Rights – an environment where IU Athletics can serve its scholars in mind, body and spirit, while preparing them to be successful in life outside the university.
This gift counts toward the $3 billion campaign, For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign.
For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign is taking place on all IU-administered campuses including IU Bloomington, IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast. The campaign will conclude in June 2020 to coincide with IU's bicentennial year celebration. To learn more about the campaign, its impact and how to participate, visit forall.iu.edu.
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