Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2016

About Susan Vessely

Professor Emeritus Jeffery Vessely's IUPUI career was distinguished and extensive, including roles such as athletics coach, intramural sports director, dean of students, faculty council president and kinesiology department chair. During his 36 years at IUPUI, Jeff and his wife, Susan, supported the university and the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management in many ways, one of which was philanthropy. They are members of the Arbutus Society and the 1820 Society and have been recognized for 25 years of consecutive giving. Jeff routinely championed the school's faculty/staff campaign efforts, and the couple's support contributed to the school's success during IUPUI's previous capital campaigns.

The couple's remarkable passion for student success was demonstrated for many years via scholarships. During fall 2015, they initiated an emergency fund for kinesiology students as a way to help students experiencing financial emergencies to stay in school. Jeff Vessely passed away in February 2016, and memorial contributions helped extend the couple's legacy.