Indiana State University Athletics announced the creation of the Max & Jackie Gibson Award. The award will recognize an athletic supporter who has made a significant and lasting impact on Sycamore Athletics through special service or major philanthropic giving.
Event details can be found here. Register for the event by clicking here.
The honor is the highest athletic recognition given to a donor or a friend of the program who has positively influenced athletics and made a positive impact within the Terre Haute and University community through athletic contributions. The award will be presented at an annual athletic banquet with friends, donors and supporters of Sycamore Athletics.
“It’s fitting that Max and Jackie Gibson are not only the first winners of this award but the namesake of the award itself,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “We are grateful for their generous giving to Indiana State University Athletics, which has made an impact on countless Sycamore student-athletes.”
Said Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales: “We are so thankful for supporters of Sycamore Athletics and Max and Jackie embody everything that is special about Indiana State. Their generous gifts have impacted so many student-athletes here in the Wabash Valley. It’s an honor to name and present them with this award.”
The award is named after the first ever recipients, Max & Jackie Gibson. Max & Jackie Gibson have supported Sycamore Athletics through philanthropic giving, going above and beyond making transformational impacts to Sycamore Athletics including but not limited to the Gibson Track and Field Complex and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. Their leadership, passion and dedication to Sycamore Athletics has made a positive influence that has been felt and will continue to be felt for years to come.
“Indiana State University is a part of the fabric of our community and ISU Athletics provides a real connection between the University and the people of Terre Haute and Vigo County. My Mom and Dad have been believers and supporters of ISU Athletics for over forty years,” said Greg Gibson. “Their dedication to ISU’s sports teams comes not only from the fact that my Dad is an ISU alum, but mostly from their understanding that the ISU Athletic Department and its history are part of our community’s legacy. Many great athletes have competed for ISU and their efforts have fostered pride and excitement in the Wabash Valley. While being recognized with this honor means so much to my parents, the pride and excitement that ISU athletes bring to our community is what drives them to continue to do more.”
The Indiana State University Athletic Department will host the Inaugural Tried & True Athletic Gala presented by First Financial Bank on Friday, August 6, 2021 inside Hulman Center. Each year during the Gala, Athletics will honor the recipients of the Max & Jackie Gibson Award. The inaugural event will be the first opportunity for fans and supporters to view newly renovated Hulman Center.
“Max and Jackie Gibson have generously supported our community and Indiana State University for years,” said Norm Lowery, President and CEO of First Financial Bank. “I am extremely happy the University has chosen to recognize their visionary leadership and to honor them as the first recipients of this award which not only acknowledges their many years of dedicated service and commitment, but the high standard by which future recipients will be considered.”
The event will begin a new tradition that will allow ISU Athletics to celebrate the beginning of the school year with friends, donors and supporters of Sycamore Athletics. The gathering will provide a unique opportunity to thank donors for their support, inform them on the current state of the athletic department and help raise funds for Sycamore Athletics.
The Gala will be open to the public. Individuals will be able to purchase a seat or table by registering online via GoSycamores.com beginning in early June.