Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox

Jesse Cox and his late wife Beulah have enriched the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. Through philanthropy and community service, they have had a profound influence on both Indiana and Indiana University.

Jesse put himself through school, something he felt was fundamental to his future success. Beulah graduated from Indiana Central Business College, and Jesse attended business college and Butler University part-time while working. He enrolled at IU Bloomington in 1939. Along with Beulah as his partner in business and in life, Jesse excelled as an entrepreneur.

Jesse and Beulah always believed in the value of hard work and in the value of education. Being committed to one's roots and community was always important to them, and they have invested generously in various philanthropic efforts.

The Cox Scholars program, the Cox Pavilion in the Arboretum on the Bloomington campus, and the 125-acre parcel they gave to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation so residents could enjoy an oasis in a sea of housing, are all Cox gifts. In 2002, Jesse was named a Sagamore of the Wabash, one of the state of Indiana's highest honors. Governor O'Bannon recognized Jesse for his humanity in living, loyalty in friendship, wisdom in council, and inspiration in leadership.

Jesse and Beulah married on December 2, 1939. Beulah passed away shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary.

The Cox name along with a commitment to hard work, the pursuit of knowledge, the spirit of philanthropy, and the future of higher education in Indiana lives on in this scholarship.

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