Curt Simic: Leaving is ‘bittersweet’

At a retirement celebration for IU Foundation President Curt Simic, Jacobs School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards introduced the world-renowned Beaux Arts Trio as a thank-you to Simic.\n“It is in music we can make the most profound expression,” Richards said.\nNearly 1,000 faculty and staff members, old colleagues, students, donors, alumni, friends and family came to the Musical Arts Center on Friday for a chance to share similar gratitude for Simic, who has been the IU Foundation president for 20 years. Awards, memorabilia, articles and letters were also on display for attendees in the center’s lobby.\nSpeakers included Simic’s daughter, Laura, past colleagues and members of the IU community, including IU President Michael McRobbie, who called Simic a “man of the greatest integrity for the university he has loved.” \nMcRobbie went on to explain that Simic has changed the landscape of IU, citing a long list of scholarships Simic has had a significant hand in creating.\nSimic recently became the eighth recipient of the IU Medal, one of the most prestigious awards the university can bestow upon an individual, McRobbie said.\nOne of nine children, Simic grew up in a small town, and graduated with a high school class of 21 students. He took part in a program called “Foundations for College” the summer before his freshman year at IU.\n“It was the greatest thing. I attended my first opera, I had never heard the violin or cello until IU,” Simic said. “The world opened up for me in just one summer.”\nSimic said he continued to stay involved during his time as an undergraduate student. He rode in and coached the men’s Little 500 Dodds House team and became the 1962-63 president of the IU Student Foundation. \nAfter graduation, Simic originally wanted to become a high school English teacher and basketball coach but he said his path changed when then IU Foundation President Bill Armstrong hired him.\n“Back then, there was no curriculum for fundraising and development. It was all experimental,” Simic said. “Bill Armstrong was quite the role model.”\nAnd then Simic found his calling.\nAfter working with the IU Foundation for a few years, he left to build his credentials at other universities around the country, always with the intention of coming back to IU. \nHe said he considers himself very lucky to have a career that helps improve the human condition on a daily basis.\n“Learning that people should be valued and to help recognize their dreams” has been one the most rewarding aspects of Simic’s job.\nDuring the celebration, Simic was presented with the State of Indiana Council of the “Sagamore of the Wabash” award – the highest award given in Indiana – on behalf of Gov. Mitch Daniels. He was also presented with a gift from the IU Art Museum by Director Adelheid Gealt.\n“We will always cherish you,” Gealt said.\nSenior Max Phillips is a member of next year’s IU Student Foundation steering committee and attended the celebration. He recalled the second time he met Simic.\n“I had met him briefly a few weeks earlier, and he came up to me and remembered my name ... it was unbelievable,” Phillips said. “Words can’t convey what it means to aspire to be anything like him.” \nMoving forward, Simic plans on spending time with family, continuing to work with the IU Foundation, staying involved with organizations including the Jacobs School of Music, the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the IU Art Museum.\n“Leaving is bittersweet; the job has been 24/7,” Simic said. “It’s time to stop and smell those roses.”