Indiana State University alumni Charlie and Terri Lentz have generously made a gift through their estate plan to the women’s basketball program in support of advancing the development of student-athletes and enhancing the team’s resources to achieve excellence on the court and in the classroom.
“Indiana State University is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Charlie and Terri Lentz, proud alumni and dedicated supporters of our institution. Their gift will make a meaningful impact on our student-athletes and Sycamore Athletics, particularly our women’s basketball program, empowering Indiana State to advance both academically and competitively for years to come,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard.
Charlie graduated in 1965 from Indiana State with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and social studies, and Terri graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in English and social studies.
After graduating, Charlie began his career as a high school teacher and a basketball coach for several years before switching career paths to real estate with a focus on real property appraisal. He was awarded the MAI designation by the Appraisal Institute. He continued his dedication for education by teaching for the Appraisal Institute and for a local college throughout his career. He retired in 2013 after becoming a principal in a commercial appraisal company based out of Florida.
Terri spent her career in education, serving as an English and reading teacher for 46 years in Indiana and Florida. She became a National Board-Certified Teacher and was part of a small group that was among the first to achieve this designation in Orange County schools. She spent her final years of teaching in the Hospital Homebound program in the Orange County, Florida public school system, which she considered the most rewarding time of her career.
"We hope this gift will make it easier for the women’s basketball team to achieve success, whether that be through scholarships or other programming necessities,” said Charlie Lentz. “Many of the resources that are available today for students weren’t available when we were in school, so we wanted to contribute toward expanding opportunities for current and future students. We’ve been immensely blessed, and we hope others who have experienced that fortune would consider paying it forward.”
Over the years, Charlie and Terri have been dedicated alumni of the University and avid supporters of the women’s basketball program and the Bayh College of Education.
“Charlie and Terri’s continued support of Sycamore Athletics, and especially our women’s basketball program, is truly remarkable. Their gift will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes,” said Nathan Christensen, Director of Athletics. “We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our program and their belief in the future of Sycamore women’s basketball.”
Because of their commitment to philanthropy, the funding from Charlie and Terri’s gift can be used to further the Sycamore women’s basketball program and encourage others to give back in support of students at Indiana State for generations to come.
“Charlie and Terri’s generosity will allow us to elevate our women’s basketball program,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Their support will provide our women’s basketball team with invaluable tools to empower our student-athletes to excel in their athletics and their academics. We are inspired by the Lentzes and their dedication to the growth of our students and athletic programs at Indiana State.”
To contribute to a program or area that aligns with your passions during the final stretch of the Be So BOLD Campaign, visit https://givetoindianastate.org/.