TERRE HAUTE, Ind. –Indiana State Athletics honored David Patterson at the fourth annual Tried & True Gala for his continued support for the Sycamore Athletic Department and the university over the years.
 
A crowd of 200-plus turned out on August 2 inside Hulman Center for the event as Patterson was honored with the Max and Jackie Gibson Award. The award recognizes an athletic supporter who has 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.
 
"I want to congratulate David Patterson for receiving the Max and Jackie Gibson award, the highest recognition given to someone who has positively influenced Sycamore Athletics inside the Terre Haute and university community through athletic contributions," Indiana State President Dr. Mike Godard said. "His leadership as the Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitor's Bureau has established west central Indiana as a top-tier location for sports and tourism."
 
The evening included a video tribute to Patterson with guest speakers including Indiana State Senior Associate Athletic Director Angie Lansing, Indiana State Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Angie Martin, former Rose-Hulman head coach of Track & Field Larry Cole, Dorsett Automotive owner Brian Dorsett, and Director and CEO of Special Olympics of Indiana Jeff Mohler.
 
"I'm truly honored and humbled to be recognized by my alma mater with an award that bears the name of two people that have truly had profound impact on my life," Patterson said. "Max and Jackie Gibson set a standard of philanthropy and support of ISU Athletics that is truly unparalleled. To be a recipient of an award that was named after them is one of the greatest things in my life. I feel blessed to be included with this honor."
 
Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen credited Patterson for his support of Sycamore Athletics over the years
 
"It truly is remarkable what all of our recipients have done for Sycamore Athletics with their generosity, time, and their talents," Christensen said. "One of my first phone calls after becoming the Director of Athletics was to David (Patterson). He was easy to talk to and the fact that he received the award is not surprising after our conversation. Over the years, he's been a game-changer for us and we're grateful for his vision and philanthropy in support of Indiana State Athletics."
 
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