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Evansville Couple Donates to Ashland University's "Bringing Spirit to Campus" Campaign

Published on April 10, 2010
Student Affairs

4/11/10 ASHLAND, Ohio --An Evansville couple, Bob and Lisa Jones, have donated $250,000 to Ashland University for the construction of the new Athletic Complex at the University. The "Study Room" located in the end zone facility is named in their honor.

Bob and Lisa Jones are both 1979 graduates of Ashland. Bob has since served as a trustee of the University from 2000 to 2009 and was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 2006.

The Jones' made their gift as part of Ashland's "Bringing Spirit to Campus" Campaign that has resulted in the construction of the new Dwight Schar Athletic Complex. The Complex is an incredible $23 million development featuring a 5,200-seat football stadium, a 500-seat soccer and track and field stadium and a state-of-the-art end zone facility consisting of offices, locker rooms, weight room and athletic training and entertainment areas.
The new complex, which is one of the premiere Division II facilities in the country, will be dedicated on April 23 as part of a weekend celebration on the Ashland University campus. The new complex is located on the northwest side of campus.

The Jones' are residents of Evansville, Ind., where Bob serves as CEO and President of Old National Bancorp. From 1979 to 2004, Bob was employed by KeyCorp, located in Cleveland, where he performed various roles, including serving as CEO of McDonald Investments.

Bob received a political science and business administration degree from Ashland and was a member of the Ashland Eagles football team. He also was a member of Judicial Board, the Interfraternity Council and Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Lisa received her degree in radio and television production. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and served as president of the Panhellenic Council.

"From the moment I stepped on Ashland's campus, Coach Martinelli emphasized to me the importance of education," Jones said. "He reminded me that I was an average football player and that my future was dependent on my focus on education. It is a privilege for us to make this donation in honor of Coach."

Ashland University President Dr. Frederick Finks thanked Jones for his support of the Athletic Complex Campaign. "Bob Jones has been a loyal supporter of Ashland University for many years. This is a gift that will benefit many Ashland University students in the years to come," he said. "Also, we are very excited to name the 'Study Room' in his honor."

Bob and Lisa are very involved in the community. Bob currently serves on the board of trustees at University of Evansville, the board of directors at Evansville Regional Business Council, Deaconess Hospital, Youth Resources, Economic Development Coalition of SW Indiana, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Riley Children's Hospital. He has served as campaign co-chair for Evansville ARC, chair for Southwest Indiana United Way and Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Indiana. He also was appointed by Indiana governor to serve on the Indiana Finance Authority.

Lisa currently serves as the president of the University of Evansville Theatre Society and is an active member on the board of directors for the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, the YWCA, and the Women's Fund of Vanderbugh County - where she previously served as president.

Jones and his wife, Lisa, have one daughter.

4/11/10