KOKOMO — A Logansport family has made the largest cash gift in the history of Indiana University Kokomo.
University officials announced Monday that the Milt and Jean Cole family of Logansport had donated $1.25 million to support construction of a new wellness and fitness center.
“My family and I have dedicated the rest of our lives to helping elevate humanities as much as we can,” Milt Cole said of the donation. “We think this is a great place to start.”
The Cole family members are Milt and Jean Cole, Keith and Carmella Cole, and Randy and Candy Cole. They are owners of Cole Hardwood in Logansport.
Chancellor Michael Harris made the announcement Monday afternoon to a full house of students, faculty and staff gathered in Alumni Hall.
“Words cannot express how deeply grateful and appreciative we are as a campus for this incredibly generous donation,” Harris said.
“The Cole family’s commitment to making the wellness and fitness center a reality will benefit the students of north-central Indiana for years to come.”
Harris said he and his wife, Tali, had developed a close relationship with the Cole family.
“We have learned they are great business leaders who place immense value on helping others,” Harris said.
The gift, he said, resulted from a deep belief in what the university does.
“The generosity of the Cole family is a testament to the work of each and every person on this campus,” Harris said.
Milt Cole said he was impressed with Harris’ accomplishments.
“He knows how to get things done,” Milt Cole said. “I think Kokomo, Indiana, is fortunate to have him.”
The wellness and fitness center will be a renovation of an unused space beneath the library in Kelley Student Center. The 20,500-square-foot facility will house a jogging/walking track, cardio and strength training area, two multi-purpose rooms, a health studies classroom and locker rooms.
Creation of the center will help students, faculty and staff maintain good physical and mental health, as well as provide opportunities to expand allied health programs such as sports medicine and athletic training.
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