The University of Indianapolis today announced a $5.2 million gift from the estate of Jack “JJ” Ott and Mary Kay (Vanderlipe) Ott that will make a college education more affordable for future Greyhound students.
JJ Ott's love affair with the University of Indianapolis began when he met Mary Kay Vanderlipe. While still students at Indiana University, then known as Indiana Central University, the couple married in August 1971, the year before JJ graduated with a degree in business administration. The Otts continued to call Indianapolis home in both their personal and professional lives, and Mary Kay continued to take various courses at Indiana University over the next few years in accounting, shorthand and human resources management.
“The establishment of the Jack and Mary Kay Ott Scholarship at the University of Indianapolis will inspire countless future Greyhounds to chase their dreams and allow our graduates to find their own love stories here,” said UIndy President Tanuja Singh. “As we establish and expand UIndy Online and the Sease Institute to meet the growing need for non-traditional education, we are pleased to make it easier and more effective to support lifelong learners like Mary Kay.”
JJ Ott served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from college in 1972 and eventually had a successful career in health care administration. Mary Kay served as secretary in the accounts receivable finance and communications finance departments for the Indianapolis Morris Plan before being promoted to secretary to the president. In her free time, she enjoyed boating, swimming and sewing.
“We are deeply touched by this incredibly generous act, which demonstrates the Otts' commitment to the university where their lifelong love story began,” said Deborah Daniels, chair of the University of Indianapolis Board of Trustees. “Their donation will allow students at all stages of their studies the opportunity to enjoy the life-changing education that the University of Indianapolis has to offer.”
JJ passed away in October 2002 at the age of 60. At the time of his passing, he asked family and friends to make memorial donations to the University of Indianapolis.
Mary Kay died in October 2023 at her home in Indianapolis at the age of 82.
The Otts were students during the final years of President I. Lind Esch’s leadership and the early years of President Gene Schiess, who took over in 1970.