INDIANAPOLIS – Marian University officials announced today that a building currently under construction on campus, which will house the university’s Byrum School of Business, will be known as the Paul J. Norman Center. Norman, a 1973 graduate of the university, recently pledged an undisclosed seven-figure donation to the university.
“On behalf of the Marian University community, I want to express my extreme gratitude to Paul Norman for this magnanimous gift,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “Paul has shown tremendous leadership in helping Marian University realize our vision of becoming a great Catholic university in a great American city.”
Paul and Debbie Norman are proud supporters of Marian University. “When I look at how far Marian University has come in the 40 years since I graduated, I’m impressed and excited to see where we can go in the coming years,” Norman said. “As graduates of this incredible institution, we show the rest of the world what it means to be a Knight. This is a great privilege and responsibility. For nearly 80 years, Knights have been impacting this city, state, country, and world. Alumni not only represent the history of this institution, but will play a pivotal role in the future success of the university.”
Marian University broke ground on the new $8 million facility in May 2016, stating that additional space was needed to accommodate enrollment growth in its Byrum School of Business. The new Paul J. Norman Center will be designed to represent the changing work styles and mobile technology of businesses today, with trendy breakout areas, expansive glass walls, and open perimeter spaces. The dramatic atrium will provide flexible work zones with tiered collaboration space configurable for presentations, creative brainstorming, or casual student gatherings. The innovative space supports the school’s unique hands-on curriculum where students learn by collaborating with local businesses.
Norman is chairman and chief executive officer of NU Holdings, Inc., a holding company employing approximately 175 people in 10 offices countrywide and operating several subsidiaries, which include Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc., Western Marine Insurance Services, Northern Star Management, and REO Advisors. All of these companies administer insurance programs for specific industries. Additional companies under NU Holdings, Inc., include Thorn Valley Enterprises, an insurance loss control and risk management company, and Topic Design, an advertising and marketing company.
Construction on the Paul J. Norman Center is expected to be completed in December 2017, and will welcome Byrum School of Business students for classes when the spring semester starts in January 2018.
About Marian University
Marian University (marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana’s 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide. Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 37 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2016 and 2017.
