1. Sarah and John Lechleiter, Indianapolis; Deborah and Randall Tobias, Carmel
Gift: $20 million
To: Indiana University Health Foundation
For: Establish the Tobias-Lechleiter Institute for Clinical Innovation at IU Health and the IU School of Medicine. The institute’s focus is to enroll more Hoosiers in clinical trials.
Background: John Lechleiter and Randall Tobias each formerly served as president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Co. Sarah Lechleiter is a board member at Newfields; Deborah Tobias is a retired tech executive who serves on the IU Health board.
Notable: IU Health matched the gift, bringing the total commitment for the institute to $40 million. According to the health care system, the gift is the largest in IU Health Foundation history and one of the largest ever shared by IU Health and the medical school.
2. Connie Ferguson, Bloomington
Gift: $10 million
To: Indiana University Health Foundation
For: Increase access and support for those pursuing nursing careers in the Indiana University Health South region.
Background: Ferguson earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1986.
Notable: Connie and her husband, Steve, are longtime IU supporters. In 2020, the university announced the Stephen L. and Connie J. Ferguson International Center, which provides space, programming and support for students studying abroad and assistance for international students.
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2. Bowen family (Robert, Terry, Doug and Julie), Indianapolis
Gift: $10 million
To: Purdue University
For: Renaming the Bowen School of Construction at Purdue Polytechnic Institute, developing an accredited and expanded construction program in Indianapolis, and establishing the Bowen School of Construction Endowment on the West Lafayette campus.
Background: Robert Bowen, who earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Purdue in 1962, founded Bowen Engineering in 1967. His son, Doug Bowen, earned a bachelor’s in business management from Purdue in 1993 and now serves as president and CEO of the family’s company.
Notable: Purdue Polytechnic provides students with experiential education opportunities and hands-on workforce experience.
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(Photo by Jessica Strickland, courtesy of Eiteljorg)
4. Estate of Ellen M. Reed,Indianapolis
Gift: $3.6 million
To: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
For: art acquisition
Background: Before her death in 2024, Reed was a member and supporter of the museum for 35 years, funding art acquisition and supporting the annual Indian Market and Festival. She was a member of the Eiteljorg’s Eagle Society, the museum’s highest level of giving.
Notable: A graduate of Indiana Business College, Reed was a private secretary at Eli Lilly and Co. for many years.
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Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation
(Photo courtesy of Indiana University)
Gift: $2.6 million
To: Riley Children’s Foundation
For: Support emerging therapies and the launch of clinical trials by funding small pilot trials necessary to apply for larger grants.
Background: Tom Wood, owner and CEO of the automotive group, died of cancer in 2010 at age 78. His wife of 51 years, Julie Davis Wood, created the family foundation after his death.
Notable: The Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation also made last year’s list for several gifts, including a $20 million gift to Indiana University and $5 million to the Riley Children’s Foundation.
Source: IBJ research