The Koch Foundation, one of southwestern Indiana’s leading philanthropies, will support Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville with a new $2.5 million endowment to ensure continued strong leadership for years to come.

The gift will fund the Koch Chair in Medicine, which will be held by the associate dean and director of IU School of Medicine—Evansville, and comes at a landmark moment for the education of health professionals in Evansville. Programs from the IU School of Medicine, IU School of Dentistry, University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana will be housed under one academic roof when the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences is dedicated Aug. 9.

“We’re extraordinarily grateful for the generosity of the Koch Foundation,” said Jay Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, dean of IU School of Medicine. “Together, with the new building, this gift will be instrumental for attracting and supporting outstanding medical education leaders for Evansville.”

The impact of the Koch Foundation’s gift will be doubled thanks to the match that is part of For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign.

The Koch Foundation was established in 1945 to fulfill a philanthropic mission to improve the quality of life within communities where Koch Enterprises holds operations. The gift is the largest in the foundation’s history. It was made with the recognition of the positive impact this medical facility will have on the communities that are home to the majority of Koch team members.

“Supporting a distinguished institution to produce world-class health care professionals in our area is important to our team members living and raising families in the tri-state community,” said Bob Koch, president of the Koch Foundation and chairman of Koch Enterprises, Inc. “It’s gratifying to know that Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville in combination with the University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana and area hospitals will continue to provide visionary leadership in medical education for generations to come.”

Koch knows some things about leadership. He served as chairman of the University of Evansville Trustees and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He was director of Fifth Third Bancorp and Vectren Corporation in Evansville. The Koch Foundation is a supporter of major nonprofit institutions in Evansville.

With the Koch Chair, income from the endowment will not only support the chair holder but also will buoy educational initiatives, recruitment and faculty support. Steven Becker, MD, who has served as the associate dean and director of IU School of Medicine-Evansville, will be the first holder of the Koch Chair.

“Bob has been engaged in this project from day one,” Becker said. “He has participated in the growth and success of the school, our partners and programs over the last decade. He saw the need for expansion and was eager to help. It is both a privilege and responsibility to be named the inaugural holder of the Koch Chair in Medicine.”

IU School of Medicine-Evansville currently enrolls 66 medical students and is one of nine medical campuses that are part of IU School of Medicine.

For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign is a $3 billion campaign taking place on all IU-administered campuses including IU Bloomington, IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. The campaign will conclude in June 2020 to coincide with IU’s bicentennial year celebration. To learn more about the campaign, its impact, and how to participate, please visit forall.iu.edu.