U-M Club of Indianapolis: General Information

The University of Michigan Alumni Club of Indianapolis serves a diverse group of passionate alumni who believe the Michigan difference not only brings us closer together but also enriches our community. The Michigan Club of Indianapolis had its beginnings during the late 1920s or early 1930s.  Little is known about this time as the alumni from that era are no longer with us. During the 1940s alumni Herb Wilson, Herman Kothe, and Earl Townsend were influential in moving the club forward.  The club’s first president of record was Earl Townsend in 1947.  In that year Fred Daries became the club secretary-treasurer until 1977 when his son, Rick, took over; Rick continues that tradition to this date.

In 1950 the club was chartered with the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.  Over the years the club has had a holiday reception and a banquet in the spring.  For many years there was at least one football bus trip to a Michigan away game at Purdue, Indiana, or Illinois.  During some years club members got together in a Wolverine’s home for a TV game party for an Ohio State or Notre Dame football game. Before the expansion of college sports television in the 1980s, alumni met for lunches during the fall months to watch films of Michigan Football at the Athenaeum or at the old Essex House.

Scholarship funding for student support got its start in the 1950s through the efforts of Esther Gerdan, who did the initial funding.  The club arranged a special account for these scholarship donations, which later became the Indianapolis-Michigan Foundation, Inc.

Serving the Indianapolis area has its perks. Due to our central location in BIG Country we are home to the BIG Football Championship game, BIG Basketball Tournament as well as annual trips from the NCAA Tournament (Regional Rounds or Final Four). These extraordinary sporting events bring alumni and general fans from all over the country and provides an amazing atmosphere for all ages. Indianapolis is also home to the NCAA and the NCAA Hall of Fame. We welcome all alumni to join us and cheer on our Wolverines during their post season success here in Indianapolis.

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