Donald and Paula Heiderman's Estate Gift Creates Lasting Legacy

Donald and Paula Heiderman served the Ivy Tech Southeast community for a combined total of 70 years: Don for 42, retiring as vice chancellor-executive dean of the Madison Campus, and Paula for 28—the last 15 of which she was the executive director of resource development. In 1999 they established the Heiderman Family Scholarship Endowment and grow it with annual gifts. The couple also endowed a scholarship in memory of their dear friend, creating the Baxter Benjamin McGee Endowment.

“Don and I began giving by payroll deduction,” Paula says. They also contributed to several capital campaigns. Now the Heidermans have made a gift through their estate. “We chose to name Ivy Tech Foundation in our will as a lasting legacy to our commitment to Ivy Tech Community College.”

“I’ve seen the effect of our contributions actually change literally dozens of lives for the better,” says Don, who hopes their gift will further enhance the Heiderman Family Scholarship Fund. “We believe in the Foundation,” he says, “and we are pleased to continually offer our support.”

Paula’s decision to give was based on her experiences with students. “The students shared their stories on scholarship applications, each one unique and compelling,” she says. “I wanted to do more, and I wanted to encourage others to do more.” In her role, Paula grew annual employ giving campaigns to 80% participation by all regional full-time employees. She continues to give back by serving on the Ivy Tech Foundation Board of Directors and was recognized as the 2016 Benefactor of the Year.

“Watching countless students succeed in their chosen degree programs and then to witness their accomplishments in the community has been heartwarming,” Paula concludes. “Knowing that we were a small part of that physically and financially and knowing our commitment encouraged others to give is the biggest reward of all.”