Indiana University Alumnus Jeff Thomasson Donates $100 Million to Kelley School of Business, Establishing Record Gift

Jeff Thomasson, a distinguished alumnus of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, has committed a landmark $100 million to his alma mater, a sum that stands as the largest individual donation in the university's history. This substantial contribution, made in conjunction with his wife, Cheryl, is earmarked for the advancement of graduate education at Kelley and will also provide crucial support for the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The generosity of the Thomassons has now brought their total contributions to Indiana University to over $111 million. In recognition of this profound impact, the university's board of trustees has approved the naming of the Kelley School’s graduate division in Jeff Thomasson's honor.

Thomasson, who graduated with his MBA from Kelley in 1981, specializing in investments and taxation, articulated that this gift is a deliberate effort to "pay forward" the investment that was made in him during his studies. He expressed a hope that this gesture will inspire others to contribute, thereby creating a lasting legacy of opportunities that will benefit future generations. The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is consistently recognized as one of the nation's premier business education programs, fostering a strong environment for academic and professional development.

Following his MBA, Thomasson embarked on a highly successful career, founding Oxford Financial Advisors. This registered investment advisor (RIA) firm has since grown to manage an impressive $38 billion in assets under advisement and is regularly cited among top-tier firms in the industry. Intriguingly, the initial blueprint for Oxford Financial Advisors emerged from Thomasson's master's essay at Kelley, which detailed his vision for an ideal wealth management firm. This demonstrates a direct link between his academic pursuits and his entrepreneurial achievements.

Thomasson's path to success was forged from humble beginnings. His father, a construction worker, suffered a disabling accident and passed away while Thomasson was pursuing his college education. His mother worked as a bank teller to support the family. His college education itself was made possible by an employer who had hired him as a teenager and funded his studies. He launched Oxford Financial Advisors at the young age of 23, burdened by $20,000 in graduate school debt, during an economic climate marked by high interest rates and significant unemployment, underscoring his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a key beneficiary of this donation, is a leading institution dedicated to the study and promotion of philanthropic practices and their societal impact. This significant philanthropic act by the Thomassons highlights the profound influence of business education and the enduring power of alumni engagement in shaping the future of academic institutions and their broader communities.