Anderson University graciously accepted a gift from Ricker Oil founders, Nancy and Jay Ricker, of $1 million to go towards fixing up the dorms, specifically Dunn Hall, due to its lack of renovations over the years.
The Rickers decided to donate in response to AU’s “Called to Soar” campaign. Jen Hunt, vice president of advancement, said, “[Jay] reached out to ask, ‘How can I help?’ He and his wife, Nancy, visited campus, met with President Pistole and decided to direct their gift to where it would make the most impact–which was determined to be Dunn Hall.”
Remarkably, this donation was made in spite of the fact that neither Jay or Nancy Ricker, or anyone in the Ricker family, has attended AU.
“They began their business here and care deeply about the Anderson community and realize how important AU is to the city,” said Hunt. “They wanted to do something that would make a positive impact on the campus community and the Anderson community.”
The money from the donation will go mostly to improving the Dunn Hall bathrooms, updating the lounge area and taking care of the various cosmetic needs in the building. Any remaining funds will go towards restoring the lounges in the other dorm buildings. Some of these renovations will take place no sooner than Christmas break.
“These changes will invite students to feel more comfortable and more at home in their residence halls and hopefully have a positive impact on their mental outlook,” said Hunt. “Most of all, we hope students will know that someone cares about them, cares enough to have made a million dollar gift.”