FRANKLIN, Ind. — A generous estate gift from the late Carol and Dale Tumey of Greenwood, Indiana, is advancing Franklin Forward: The Campaign for Franklin College. Their estate gift of more than $400,000 establishes endowed funds to support men's and women's athletics, creating opportunities for student-athletes now and for generations to come.
The Tumeys' gift reflects a lifetime of dedication to Franklin College. Carol (Summers), a 1963 graduate, and her husband Dale supported the institution for decades through their generosity, advocacy and commitment to its educational mission.
Carol's lifelong impact on Franklin College and the broader community was shaped by her passion for education, athletics and service. A pioneering educator, coach and athletic administrator, she devoted a 40-year career to Center Grove High School, where she developed the school's first girls' sports program and served as a coach, physical education chair and assistant athletic director. The outdoor track at CGHS is named in her honor.
Following her retirement, Carol continued to mentor future educators as an adjunct faculty member for the Franklin College Education Department. She also served faithfully as a college trustee from 2013-23, when she was awarded trustee emerita status. Her contributions to education and athletics earned numerous state and national honors, including induction into the Franklin College Athletic Hall of Fame. Carol died on Oct. 1, 2024, at the age of 82.
Dale and Carol were married for 61 years, and he died less than one year after her, on June 20, 2025. A longtime Indianapolis Star employee, Dale was a steadfast partner who also supported Carol's work as an educator, coach and advocate for student-athletes. Together, the couple shared a lifelong commitment to championing opportunities for young people through volunteerism and philanthropy.
"Carol and Dale demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this institution through their generosity, advocacy and leadership. Their inspirational and impactful estate gift furthers the Franklin Forward campaign while ensuring their spirit of service and dedication to Franklin College will create opportunities for future generations of student-athletes. We are grateful for their vision and proud to memorialize their legacy," said Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather.
Franklin Forward builds on a strong period of institutional momentum. The College has recorded three consecutive years of freshman enrollment increase, risen in the U.S. News & World Report's Top Performers in Social Mobility ranking among the national liberal arts colleges and expanded its campus with the opening of the Johnson Memorial Health Athletic Annex and the Center for Tech Innovation. Franklin has also launched a competitive esports program and introduced new academic offerings — including cybersecurity, neuroscience, sports communication, sports and fitness management and concentrations in game development and digital marketing — designed to meet evolving student interest and workforce demands. With the Franklin Forward campaign, Franklin College looks to continue this positive and energizing activity into the future, working from a position of strength and stability to shape the Franklin College of tomorrow.
By expanding endowment resources and strategic investments, Franklin Forward aims to reduce reliance on tuition revenue and position the nearly 200-year-old institution to thrive amid significant demographic and shifts facing higher education. The five-year campaign, which has been in a silent phase since 2024, runs through June 30, 2028. To learn more about the campaign and details about giving, go to FranklinCollege.edu/franklin-forward.
Contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8189 for more information.
