McKee Family Heritage Lounge inspires the next generation of fellows
In the McKee Family Heritage Lounge, portraits of past Indiana State University presidents smile from the paneled walls. A fire crackles joyfully beneath the hearth, inviting you to take a seat and share stories from the university’s history, or to create the stories of the university’s future.
McKee family celebrates 90-year connection to ISU with major gift
The McKee family, whose connection to Indiana State University spans three generations and nine decades, has donated $250,000 in support of the President’s Scholars program. In recognition of the gift, ISU’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved the naming of the McKee Family Heritage Lounge in Tirey Hall. Portraits of every past president since ISU’s founding hang on the walls of the lounge.
The McKee Family celebrated 90 years — and three generations — of connection to Indiana State by creating opportunities for generations to come. The McKee Fellowship inspires senior President’s Scholars to dream bigger, dare braver, and discover bolder to expand their professional growth while giving back to their community and alma mater.
“The addition of the McKee Fellows program will ensure that more students will reach for the kinds of experiences that will expand their academic experience at ISU and advance their professional development, said Greg Bierly, ISU Honors College Dean.
The possibilities are endless. From writing children’s books for local students to remote monitoring of patient blood pressure, McKee Fellows put their talents and passions to work in their communities.
McKee Fellows transform their bold visions into vivid realities, honoring the impact of the McKee Family on Indiana State University. The McKee Family is synonymous with Indiana State and has touched nearly every aspect of campus, serving as faculty, staff, and administrators. Seven members of the family have earned 8 ISU degrees and credit Indiana State for their professional success.
“Each of us has his or her own list of ISU memories,” Dale McKee explains, “But all of us can trace whatever achievements we have had in our lives to the education that we received at Indiana State. That we can encourage and support some of ISU’s best students with this gift and recognize a connection that dates back nearly 90 years means a great deal to all of us.”
McKee Fellows represent the future of the university, and Sycamore stories that have yet to be told. Inspired and empowered by the McKee Family themselves, these students are redefining what it means to be bold.
About the McKee Family: For over 90 years, the McKee Family has embodied the spirit of Indiana State University. Their connection to the university began when Clyde Morris McKee attended Indiana State Teachers College, becoming an elementary school teacher and administrator in Indiana public schools for more than 40 years. His son, Dale F. McKee, earned two degrees at Indiana State, later serving as Indiana State’s alumni director and as executive vice president of the ISU Foundation during a career from 1965 to 1998. Dale’s late wife, Nancy, taught in the university’s School of Nursing for more than 30 years, serving in a number of teaching and administrative positions, including acting dean. All of Dale and Nancy’s children earned degrees at ISU: Elizabeth McKee, Christopher McKee, and Craig McKee. Craig’s wife, Diann McKee, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ISU. She has spent her career at ISU and currently serves as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and University Treasurer. The McKee Family is legendary amongst the Indiana State community, spreading their Sycamore pride and impact with everyone they encounter.
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