INDIANAPOLIS - Kim and Marissa Manlove were among those recognized at the 23rd annual IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon and Awards ceremony for their continued support of the Athletics Program. The Manloves are long-time multisport season ticket holders and have contributed to student-athlete scholarships via the Jaguars Athletics Club for more than 20 years. In addition, Kim currently serves on the club's volunteer board of directors.

"I am proud that IUPUI recognized Kim and Marissa Manlove for their dedication and love of Jaguars Athletics," IUPUI Assoc. AD John Rasmussen said. "They truly impact the lives of our athletes both with their time and financial contributions, but also with their passion and being truly invested in the lives of the students representing the Jaguars. They are committed to more than just seeing our athletes win. I was happy to be part of their being recognized with the Spirit of Philanthropy award."

Kim's association to the program began in 1978 when he began working with the IU Alumni Association, having moved from his native Bloomington to the Circle City.

"My dad was a faculty member and a former basketball coach," Kim explained. "We had IU season tickets, but it didn't take long to kind of change those allegiances."

He and Marissa were married in the Summer of 1979 and have been collectively supporting the program ever since. The up-close, family atmosphere helped draw their continued support.

"The ability to have an intimate relationship with the players and coaches continues to be a hallmark of the IUPUI program and is something you don't have the opportunity to develop with a larger program," Kim said. "It's just been a joy to know players and coaches on a first name basis. It's really been a joy for us."

The Manloves were fixtures at home games during the eighties when even home games felt like road games. Kim described the players as 'journeymen' and talked about forming alumni trips for some home games because the then Metros played in venues all over the city including Market Square Arena, the Fairgrounds Coliseum and Harry E. Wood Continuing Education Center. 

Later, Kim worked for former Chancellor Gerald Bepko and Bill Plater and was privvy to the ins and outs of the program's move to NCAA Division I status prior to the 1998-99 academic year.

"The move to the next level was necessary for a school of this size in the state of Indiana," the Bloomington-native said. "The great part about IUPUI Athletics is the fans, student-athletes and coaches can participate in the writing of the history. It's fantastic to think that you really have the opportunity to participate and create part of the saga of the program." 

The Manloves struck a true friendship with Croatia-native Petar Macura, who played for the Jaguars for one season before returning to his native country. With NCAA rules being more lax at the time, the Manloves invited the freshman big man to their home for a meal and later visited he and his family during a trip to Central Europe. That remains one of the highlights of their continued relationship with the Jaguars. 

"We formed a terrific relationship with Petar and you want to talk about a fine young man," Kim said.

Macura was a little used reserve on the 2002-03 team that ultimately won the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament in Kansas City and later played No. 1 Kentucky in Nashville, Tenn. in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

"That run that year was just fantastic," Kim said. "In fact, it was at that reception down there that Jerry (Bepko) introduced me to (current Chancellor) Charles Bantz for the first time."

Kim says being able to see George Hill playing on the NBA stage as another IUPUI highlight, but then reflects on the overall growth of the program. Kim was a friend of late basketball coach Mel Garland, who ultimately lost his battle to leukemia in the early 80's. An ailing Garland influenced Manlove to donate blood and bone marrow to help others in need, which is a contribution he still makes to this day.

"I still do that today as a result of my early relationship with Mel."

Kim also befriended both Bob Lovell and Ron Hunter during their lengthy careers on the IUPUI sidelines.

"I enjoyed Bob immensely. Just his style of play and the way he coached was a joy to see," Kim said. "And with Ron, just his whole family's involvement and seeing his kids grow up before our eyes was really great to see.

"I think we'll get to see the same thing with Coach Howard and his son as well."

While the Manloves want to see continued growth within the program, he holds a specific charge near and dear.

"IUPUI's just a program that keeps on giving and that's what we love about it," he said. "I do want us to grow, but I don't want us to lose that personal touch."