TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State University Athletics announced that the Max & Jackie Gibson Award will be presented to Mike and Amy Alley at the third annual Tried & True Athletic Gala presented by Dorsett Automotive on Friday, August 4, 2023. The annual athletic award recognizes athletic donors who have made a significant and lasting impact on Sycamore Athletics through special service or major philanthropic giving.
 
The honor is the highest recognition given to donors or friends of the program who have positively influenced athletics and made a positive impact within the Terre Haute and University community through athletic contributions.

"We're deeply grateful for the tremendous generosity Mike and Amy Alley have shown Indiana State University, their alma mater," ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis said. "The Max & Jackie Gibson Award is a well-deserved honor to recognize Mike and Amy's many years of service and philanthropy to ISU."
 
"My entire family is very happy that the 2023 Max & Jackie Gibson Award will honor two of ISU's greatest ambassadors. Mike and Amy Alley have consistently honored Indiana State with their time, talent, and treasure. Throughout the years, they have served in many leadership roles and given back to the school in countless ways," said Greg Gibson. "Mike and Amy's commitment and generosity demonstrate the exact purpose of this Award. We are very proud that this honor showcases the importance that people like the Alleys have on the University and the community it serves. My family looks forward to the event and the celebration of Mike and Amy's contributions to ISU and the Terre Haute community."
 
The Alleys' generosity has had a profound impact on Sycamore Athletics and the University. They are Sycamores to the core having served in leadership roles across campus, while also donating to various needs at the institution. Among the notable gifts and contributions, they have given to the Linda Eldred Student Leadership Center and the Mike and Amy Alley Student Professional Development Fellows Program.
 
They set an example for others to joyfully give back to Indiana State. Both Mike and Amy are currently engaged as Campaign cabinet members of the Be So BOLD campaign, while Mike serves as an Emeriti member for the ISU Foundation Board of Directors. He was given the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000; he and Amy were also recognized at the March On! Awards in 2012.
 
Mike Alley served on the ISU Board of Trustees from 2003-12 and served as the Board's chair from 2003-09 and again from 2011-12. He spent more than three decades in the banking industry including serving as the President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana. He founded Patriot Investments in 2002 through which he maintains investment interest in multiple early-stage companies and advisory services.
 
Both the Alleys are proud graduates from Indiana State. Mike earned his bachelor's degree in accounting while Amy graduated from the Bayh College of Education in 1978.
 
"We are truly honored to be recognized with the Max & Jackie Gibson Award for 2023," Alley said. "Max & Jackie, and the entire Gibson Family, have set a genuinely high standard of support for ISU and we are very humbled to be considered for this recognition. Indiana State means so very much to both of us with vivid memories of our time while students and as we have remained connected to the University through athletics, the Foundation, the Trustees, and the Scott College of Business and Bayh College of Education."
 
He continued, "We have witnessed first-hand the exceptional leadership and character development which takes place through the athletic and extra-curricular opportunities which benefit students for a lifetime. The impact of the outstanding coaches and athletic staff on student athletes is extraordinary. We are proud to support ISU financially and in our hearts for the enormous benefit it has afforded us and our family. Indiana State is an important part of our lives."
 
"Mike and Amy Alley exemplify a passion for community and excellence in all that they do," said Brian Dorsett, Dorsett Automotive owner. "This dedication continues to make a significant impact on the lives of many people in Indiana and beyond. Mike and Amy's volunteerism and dedication through their gifts and contributions have helped Indiana State University climb onward and upward in significant ways. The lives of the student body have been greatly enhanced because of Mike and Amy's resolve to make a difference. It is only fitting that Mike and Amy are to receive this year's Max and Jackie Gibson Award. It is an honor and privilege for Dorsett Automotive to be the presenting sponsor for this year's Tried & True Athletic Gala."
 
"I can state, very clearly and loudly, that I would not have the success in fundraising and competitive outcomes without the friendship, and financial support of Mike and Amy Alley," ISU Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales said. "Their love for ISU has no bounds! And they understand and embrace the vital role athletics plays in the DNA of a university. It is an absolute honor to bestow the Max and Jackie Gibson award to Mike and Amy, two people who make it a priority to treat people with respect and dignity and encourage others to do the same. Congratulations."
 
The Gala will be open to the public. Individuals will be able to purchase a seat or table by registering online via GoSycamores.com. More information and details will be available in the coming weeks. Sponsorships are also available.
 
About the Max & Jackie Gibson Award
The award is named after the inaugural recipients, Max & Jackie Gibson. Max & Jackie Gibson have supported Sycamore Athletics through philanthropic giving, going above and beyond making transformational impacts on Sycamore Athletics including, but not limited to, the Gibson Track and Field Complex and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. Their leadership, passion, and dedication to Sycamore Athletics has made a positive influence that will continue to be felt for years to come.
 
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on the Sycamore Athletics, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook and Twitter. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.