b"Power of EducationInspires PhilanthropySOUF ANNUAL REPORT 2024Sally Jones and Ben Benjamin have dedicated their lives to giving back to thePeople need to understand that institutionthathasgiventhemsomuch.Theyhaveasharedpassionfor educationandathletics,andtogether,theyhavebeenactivephilanthropists,giving can come in many forms. supporting athletics and the \x1fne arts. Their commitment stems from a desire toWhether it is a large donation or inspire others and to make a positive impact in the community. small acts of kindness. every Sally held numerous roles at SOU over her 27-year career, including Schoolcontribution makes a difference. Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Women's Athletic Director, and Associate Athletic Director. She and Ben met while she was coaching \x1feldEven a small gesture of support hockey at the university.can have a significant impact.SallyandBenareconnectedtotheuniversitythroughtheirinvolvementsally joneswith students, faculty, and sta\x1e, both current and retired. They have witnessed \x1frsthand the power of education and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment.Wevehadtheopportunitytomeetsomewonderfulpeoplethroughour involvement with SOU athletics. Matt Sayre and Bobby Heiken, along with SOU coaches, have all become familiar faces in our lives. Its been a great experience, said Ben.Sally and Bens commitment to giving back is rooted in their own personal experiences, according to the couple. They have both bene\x1fted greatly from their relationship with SOU, and they have a deep appreciation for the opportunities that the university has provided them. Amongtheirmostsigni\x1fcantcommitmentstotheuniversityisthecreation ofafundtosupportfemaleassistantcoacheswhoarefromtraditionally underrepresentedminoritygroups,somethingthatisre\x1dectedinSallysIn addition to their support of athletics, Sally and Ben are groundbreaking work on Title IX. The couple have also supported upgradingalso passionate about the arts and music, believing that facilities for softball and track and \x1feld.both enrich the lives of students and the community. 9"