INDIANAPOLIS – At the annual Marian University gala on Friday, October 25, the establishment of the new Penny and Jock Fortune Institute for Civic Leadership and Capitalism was announced.
The mission of the Fortune Institute for Civic Leadership and Capitalism is to educate a new generation of leaders rooted in free enterprise and America’s founding values. Through dedicated scholarship, the study of America’s founding documents, applied leadership experiences, and robust community engagement, the Institute will equip students with the skills and moral foundation necessary to advance the values of capitalism and civic responsibility.
“We are deeply grateful to Jock and Penny Fortune for their extraordinary support of Marian University and their commitment to fostering transformative leadership,” said Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener. “The Penny and Jock Fortune Institute for Civic Leadership and Capitalism will inspire and empower our students to become leaders who advance the principles of free enterprise and civic responsibility, guided by the values upon which America was founded.”
In addition to the creation of the Fortune Institute and hiring a director, this gift will enhance the Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center of Global Studies.
Rafael Sanchez from FOX59 returned as the emcee for the evening as the Gala also raised $3.5 million for direct student scholarships and honored several prominent community and business leaders and distinguished alumni.
- Mike Wells, President of REI Investments, Inc., received the 2024 John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year Award. Over the past 25 years Wells has been involved in a number of downtown Indianapolis’ most significant real estate projects including the JW Marriott Hotel, Marriott Place, Circle City Mall, Wellpoint Operation Center, Emmis Communications Headquarters and the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel.
- Mike and Rebecca Kubacki were honored with the 2024 Franciscan Values Award. As a two-term member of the Indiana General Assembly, Rebecca Kubacki has been a champion for women’s causes, children and human affairs. Mike Kubacki, former CEO of Lake City Bank, has had a distinguished career in the banking industry.
- Monsignor Joseph Schaedel ’70 was recognized with the 2024 Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award. Monsignor Schaedel has served as a long-standing member of Marian’s Board of Trustees and has been a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for more than 40 years.
“It is our mission to develop transformational leaders for service to the world and, with the support of our generous alumni and friends, we are able to support our students with the scholarships they need to achieve their higher education goals and lead with purpose and integrity,” said Marian University Chancellor Kenith Britt, Ph.D.
Nearly 2,000 students, staff, faculty, alumni, supporters, partners, and community members attended the event, including Archbishop Charles C. Thompson from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, who delivered the opening prayer. Marian University’s sponsor, the Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg, Ind., sang the closing benediction – a time-honored tradition at the event.
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About Marian University
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including nearly 4,000 undergraduate and more than 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. In 2013, Marian University established its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new school of medicine in Indiana in more than 100 years, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also offers associate and bachelor’s degrees at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Twitter.