Anderson University Celebrates Evrard Field Dedication at Macholtz Stadium

Alumni Jeff and Lita Evrard Help Bring Raven Football Home Through Generous Support

ANDERSON, Ind. —This fall, Raven football returned to its home field at the newly renovated Macholtz Stadium. A Homecoming ceremony honored the generosity of Jeff Evrard ’81 and Lita Evrard ’82, who helped make this return possible.

“This project was key both in our football program and also key in the representation of what it meant to rise up and build,” President Scott Moats said. 

President Moats and First Lady Sheryl Moats connected with the Evrards last year and quickly bonded over a shared love for the university.

“We saw God using the Evrards to realize the mission and vision that we have, and that is what this stadium represents. It represents more than just a stadium. It represents more than just a field. It represents that Anderson University is here to stay. AU is building, and we will elevate the relationship with God on our campus, and this is one way to do that,” Moats said.  

Macholtz Stadium’s football field is now named “Evrard Field,” signifying the gratitude, legacy, and future of Raven football.

The Evrards are proud AU alumni. Jeff is a former Raven football player who earned All-American honors as a linebacker. Lessons of teamwork, discipline, and leadership he learned on the field have served him well in a remarkable business career. Jeff co-founded Delight Outdoor Advertising in 1997 and currently serves as the CEO of Summit Companies, a national provider of fire protection, life safety, and security services.

Lita’s AU connections run deep, too. She holds a degree in business and economics, has had a successful career, and comes from an AU family. Both sets of grandparents, her parents, and her two sisters are AU graduates.

The Evrards have raised three children and now have eight grandsons.

“Their love for family and their continued generosity toward Anderson University reflect a desire to strengthen this community and create opportunities for generations to come,” said Brent Baker, vice president of advancement. “This renovation and the naming of Evrard Field are a wonderful expression of that commitment.”

Head football coach Jonathan Coddington, athletic director Marcie Taylor, and former Raven football player Ken Dodson also shared their perspectives.

Coddington thanked the Evrards for their generosity and contributions to AU football legacy.

“The legacy of this place is much more than what these guys get to do on a field. It’s the development they get in the classroom that sets them up for great careers, personal lives,  relationships, and spiritual lives. We’re excited to be able to walk alongside these guys,” Coddington said. “We are so thankful as a team to every person that has taken part in this. Especially to the two of you, to be able to make things happen, and to get us back here at home.”

Although the Evrards were offered the opportunity to rename Macholtz Stadium, they declined, wanting to keep Dr. James Macholtz’s name.

Macholtz served as AU’s head football coach from 1953 to 1964, winning three Hoosier College Conference championships. He also coached track from 1958 to 1983 and was known for his commitment to developing athletes both on and off the field.

Taylor quoted a passage from Macholtz’s book where he addressed winning and losing from a biblical perspective.

He wrote, “Following Christian principles and standards of conduct in a game or in life does not assure victory in the material sense of winning the game or gaining fortune and fame. However, I feel sure that adherence to Christian standards does assure victory in a moral sense: peace of mind, a clear conscience, a happy spirit, and a purposeful life.”

Baker also recognized the generosity of others who made the team’s return to Macholtz Stadium possible.

Nearly 300 donors contributed to this project. 45 individuals gave $1,000 or more, and 20 gave $3,000 or more. Many of those 20 donors, or donor couples, attended the naming celebration. They included H. L. and Sandy Baker, Ron Norton, Kerry and Becky Robinson, Dean Smith, Mike Weaver, and Ron Wise.

“We are thrilled to stand here today and see this happen on our campus as a reflection of what God is doing in the lives and in the hearts of students,” Moats said.

About Anderson University

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.