“My friends didn’t believe it was possible. They loved me, but they thought I was crazy. I didn’t want them thinking that. They would say, ‘You’re a nice guy and we love you but we don’t think that is possible.’” – Fr. Boniface Hardin
Father Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schillings sacrificed for decades. The physical results of their diligence and sacrifice cumulated in a beautiful two-story building that reflects the fulfilment of their hopes and dreams. This center for adult education features a unique two-story globe of the world, adjacent to The Gathertorium, an auditorium for gathering. The Gathertorium and the globe carry the message that Martin University is established upon a global vision where the world can come together as one.
However, Martin University — in her soul — is more than brick and mortar. Actually Martin University is more than a dream. Martin University was a living organic reality that became part of our community’s DNA.
The effort to end the life of Martin University is nothing new. The quality of education in the inner-city of Indianapolis has been under attack since the early 1970s. We have witnessed — what some may describe as the dismantling of predominantly of inner-city public schools — the dispersing of African American elementary and high school students to white suburban schools, via one-way busing, thus draining millions of dollars “one-way” to the detriment of the inner-city while simultaneously enriching the education coffers of suburban white schools.
Now, in 2026, we see Martin University suffering a similar fate of dismantling right before our very eyes. As the 1960-70’s rap group, The Last Poets said, “Running the same game, with a different name.”
There is enough blame to go around. Martin University’s Board of Directors has come under a lot of recent scrutiny — and rightfully so! This Board is perceived as being distant and distracted. A Board that is disconnected from the school’s Alumni Association and seemingly uncaring about the students who are now settled with debt but no college degree. Board members should love the students and the school’s mission statement — not be the one’s writing the funeral arrangements for an historical institution they are to be serving.
The lack of fiduciary fidelity is questioned. $3.5 million dollars is a lot for John and Jane Doe citizen; but, for a number of Martin University’s Board members, $3.5 million to them is chump-change. Yes, an easy tax write-off that would have benefitted Martin University students tremendously.
Sadly, our local and state government did not do enough to keep Martin University off of life support. In fact, just last year, our Governor Mike Braun withheld millions from Martin University.
I am an alumnus of Martin University. I too must question my own soul, ‘Have I done enough to help save my alma mater?’ We all must ask ourselves that question.
In 2004, I was honored to interview Father Boniface Hardin. I asked him, “What has been most challenging about being the founder and president of the only predominantly African American University in Indiana?” Hardin replied, with a tinge of regret on his face, “My friends didn’t believe it was possible. They loved me, but they thought I was crazy. I didn’t want them thinking that. They would say, ‘You’re a nice guy and we love you but we don’t think that is possible.’”
In recent years, as Martin University, now laying on life-support, other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) reached out and offered to help Martin University regain her footing, to stay alive. Reportedly Martin University’s leadership failed to respond to these HBCUs’ offers.
…Wait a minute; I think I felt a pulse…
The Martin University Alumni Association refuses to give up. Martin University is our mother, Alma Mater! The spirit of Father Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling lives on in us. Indiana Landmarks and historic preservation is interested in working with Martin University’s alumni.
…Yes, I did feel a pulse!
In closing let me say that if I stepped on anyone’s toes, just know that I was trying to step on your entire foot. Martin University is African American history. We cannot — must not — let it die in Black History Month or any other month.
If you were a student at Martin University during the last twelve months, please contact me at saahir@sbcglobal.net. The Martin University Alumni Association wants to hear from you.
