DePauw Celebrates $1 Million Gift from Mark Dinwiddie ’71 and Sally Reid Dinwiddie ’70
A recent $1 million contribution from Mark Dinwiddie ’71 and Sally Reid Dinwiddie ’70 is ensuring that DePauw student-athletes will continue to achieve competitive excellence both on and off the field. This gift represents a significant investment in the future of DePauw athletics and an important milestone in the early progress of the university’s Bold, Gold & You! campaign.
“Through our donation we wanted to support DePauw’s coaches and help them keep their programs moving in the right direction,” said Mark, a standout football player during his time on campus. “If we have the ability to do it, we want to give back. It’s great to think that we can have a small part in the future of DePauw athletics.”
The Dinwiddies have long been ardent supporters of their alma mater through generosity, leadership and service. In addition to serving on several advisory boards and class reunion committees over the years, they previously contributed to the Athletics and Recreation Facilities Master Plan that resulted in the construction of Reavis Stadium and other significant infrastructure upgrades. With their most recent gift, Mark and Sally are strengthening their partnership with DePauw and paving the way for future Tigers to thrive.
“We are grateful for alumni like Mark and Sally Dinwiddie, who believe in the power of the student-athlete experience and see the valuable role coaches play in the lives of our student-athletes,” said Stevie Baker-Watson, Theodore Katula Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports. “This gift ensures our coaches can continue to teach and mentor student-athletes both in sport and in life, amplifying the value of the DePauw athletics experience.”
Mark is the founder of FlexPAC, Inc., an Indianapolis-based creative packaging and facilities solutions provider that recently celebrated 40 years of business. Looking back on the exponential growth of his company across the span of his career, Mark acknowledged that the foundations for his success as a salesman and business leader were established in large part by the coaches, professors and mentors who shaped his outlook.
“My freshman year at DePauw, one of the first things the coach told us was that if we had
a lab or a class at the same time as football practice, we should go to that class. He said, ‘You're not here to play football or basketball or whatever the sport may be. You're here to get an education.’"
That message stuck with Mark. As a psychology major and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he acquired a well-rounded set of skills at DePauw, giving him an ongoing appreciation for the tremendous value of college athletics. To this day, Mark enjoys staying in touch with coaches, reconnecting with former teammates and returning to campus for football games whenever he has the opportunity.
“A lot of the guys I played with have come together for the last few Monon Bell games in Greencastle,” he said. “We have dinner on Friday night and then go to the game together on Saturday. It brings back good memories, and it’s always fun to see those guys — although we’re now walking with limps.”
DePauw University is grateful for the Dinwiddies and their distinguished history of support. With their help, the Bold, Gold & You! campaign continues to surge toward its goal, having already raised $365 million toward its $575-million target.