The University of Southern Indiana (USI) held a pep rally on Thursday that contained a big announcement for the university.
Following a dramatic countdown — the crowd at the Screaming Eagles Arena at USI reacted to the big news — that Liberty Federal Credit Union is donating $10 million to the university.
Liberty will have naming rights for 20 years. Henceforth the Screaming Eagles will be playing in “Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.”
The name change will happen immediately and there are already two signs on the basketball court surface.
USI President Steve Bridges said this is the largest philanthropic gift the college has received.
“It's really going to assist our athletic programs as we make the transition to Division I, as we recruit scholar athletes, as we travel to more places than we have in the past, and other essential needs.”
This is an unrestricted gift, meaning it can be used where needed. Bridges says Liberty Credit Union system sees them as an up-and-coming athletic program.
“We're going to be on ESPN + — you're going to see the name of Liberty. You're going to see the name of Liberty on the building. When we have 4,800 screaming fans in this building, it's going to be a big recognition for Liberty.”
Of course, he said the origins of Liberty Federal Credit Union as the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union is a nice tie-in to the education system.
In a news release, Bill Schirmer, President and CEO of Liberty Federal Credit Union, said their mission is to support their members and community through education.
“As a credit union that was founded by Evansville teachers, our ties to the educational community in this region are strong. Supporting the advancement of USI students and their athletic programs aligns well with our mission of providing value to our members and the communities we serve.”
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