The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis has forged a new partnership in the Indianapolis community. UIndy has entered into a two-year relationship with the 500 Festival and will be the presenting sponsor of the 500 Festival High School Band Program at the IPL 500 Festival Parade.

The new partnership included a $15,000 donation from the university, but Vice President for Advancement Jim Smith explained that UIndy is expecting some major gains on the investment as well.

“What this really means is exposure in the community,” Smith said. “It puts our name out there in a big and positive way.”
The sponsorship will include more than 3,000 high school band members from all over the country, who will travel to Indianapolis to perform in the IPL 500 Festival Parade.

Additionally, the IPL 500 Festival Parade traditionally garners more than 300,000 spectators, not including the television audience. According to Smith, this exposure is exactly what the university is looking for.

“It makes us visible to students who are preparing to look into colleges,” Smith said. “And since they [the 500 Festival] claim to reach more than 300,000 people, it is a great way to show our commitment to the Indianapolis community.”
The partnership will begin with a two-year agreement, at which time, UIndy will decide either to end or extend the relationship.

“We will reevaluate in two years,” Smith said. “We will just look at whether or not the partnership has been mutually beneficial and if it’s something we want to continue.”

Josh Reichart, sponsorship services coordinator for the 500 Festival, thinks UIndy is a perfect fit for a sponsorship.
“We approached them [UIndy] regarding the sponsorship,” Reichart said. “We just felt like the fit was a great fit for us and for them.”

In a Feb. 10, 2011, 500 Festival press release, President Beverley Pitts commended the 500 Festival for its place in Indianapolis culture and tradition and expressed her support of the partnership.



“Supporting the band program allows us not only to take part in an esteemed Indianapolis tradition, but also to recognize the hard work of bright and motivated young people,” Pitts said. “Cultivating tomorrow’s community leaders is central to our mission, and this is another way we can do that.”

Indianapolis Power and Light Company, Firestone Tires and Eli Lilly are among the other sponsors of the parade, which will take place May 28.

UIndy also will be present at a 500 Festival High School Band event at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, prior to the parade.

“We are hoping to have a presence at the Children’s Museum event, too,” Smith said. “It will give us the chance to interact with the students we are helping to support and, again, promote UIndy’s dedication to the community.”

Dozens of 500 Festival events will take place during the month of May, culminating in the 100th annual Indianapolis 500, which will take place on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Photo by Chris Hartley