TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Indiana State University Board of Trustees has approved the naming of the Woodruff Sycamore Loft within the Hulman Center, recognizing a transformative $1 million gift from longtime supporters Troy and Melissa Woodruff.

The approved project will introduce a new premium hospitality space, the Woodruff Sycamore Loft, while also funding significant renovations to both the men's and women's basketball locker rooms inside Hulman Center. These enhancements are designed to elevate the fans and student-athlete experience and modernize one of the university's premier athletic facilities.

The Woodruffs' gift reflects their enduring commitment to Indiana State Athletics and the continued advancement of Sycamore Athletics facilities. Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated by early November 2026.
 

Troy Woodruff, a graduate of Indiana State and current member of the university's Board of Trustees, along with his wife Melissa, has demonstrated longstanding leadership and generosity in support of both academic and athletic initiatives. Their philanthropic impact includes prior investments such as the Benny E. Woodruff Cancer Research Lab and the RQAW classroom within the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology.

"This investment from Troy and Melissa Woodruff is a powerful example of generosity, leadership and belief in Indiana State University," said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. "The Woodruff Sycamore Loft will create an outstanding experience for our fans, and the locker room renovations will provide meaningful upgrades for our student-athletes. Together, these projects strengthen Hulman Center as a central part of campus life and reflect the momentum we are building at Indiana State. We are grateful to Troy and Melissa for their commitment to our university and for the lasting impact they continue to make on our students and community."

"On behalf of Indiana State Athletics, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Troy and Melissa Woodruff for their incredible generosity and unwavering belief in our student-athletes," said Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen. "This transformational gift will elevate both our men's and women's basketball programs by providing first-class locker room spaces and enhancing the overall experience within Hulman Center. It also creates an exciting, premium environment for our fans to engage with our programs in a new way, while generating additional revenue to further support our department, something the Woodruffs are especially excited about. The Woodruffs have consistently demonstrated what it means to lead through service and philanthropy, and their impact on Indiana State University will be felt for generations to come."

"Indiana State University and the Hulman Center have been part of our life sense before we were married; at that time, we never dreamt that one day we would be in a position to enhance this iconic facility," said Troy and Melissa Woodruff. "We are excited to see these improvements being made and look forward to seeing fans enjoying their experience while joining us as we cheer on our Sycamores!"

The Woodruff Sycamore Loft will feature six private loge boxes on the south side of the building overlooking the court. Each box can accommodate up to 12 guests, offering a premium and exclusive game-day experience, enhancing the game-day environment while creating new opportunities for engagement and revenue generation in support of Indiana State Athletics student-athletes. Loge boxes will be available on a season-long basis. For more information or to inquire about availability, please contact Tyson Baldwin at Tyson.Baldwin@indstate.edu.

The naming of the Woodruff Sycamore Loft stands as a meaningful tribute to the Woodruffs' generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the university, its students, and the broader Sycamore community.

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