would take everyone's help to see a project to fruition. They
would go big on a project but only if others were willing to
lend a financial hand.
Civic Minded
Leadership and citizenship were everything to Ackerman.
As Indiana governor Mike Pence said when eulogizing
Ackerman on March 5, "he had a desire and an instinct
for nurturing others, to institutionalize the teaching of
citizenship to those who would teach our young people.
And it was so often the case that he put his money where
his mouth was and made it a reality."
Family FOCUSED
Despite the wealth he amassed, Ackerman was a family-first person.
And that started with his wife Lois, who truly was
his partner in every endeavor. They loved golfing
together in their later years, but they also shared a
vision for the impact their family could make. His
three children, Barbara, John and Leslie, and four
grandchildren were everything to him.
Everything Ackerman accomplished was
due to his partnership with his wife of 65
years, Lois. The duo was committed to the
total student-athlete experience, second
only to being committed to each other.
"As a woman in development, he
always gave me a fair shake, and that
had lots to do with how he worked with
Lois," said Nancy Cross, who worked
with Ackerman on several projects dating back three decades. "He taught me
so many things, but he really stressed
the importance of follow through. Jim
and Lois didn't just give to a project
and walk away. They were with it at
every step. He had the biggest heart."
Grateful
I have known my share of old-time
Purdue supporters, and there is a common thread. Those that attended the institution on or around the time of World
War II are so thankful for what the expeGold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5com
