Schwarz Family

Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund

Jeff Schwarz was a Hoosier through and through. He was born and raised north of Indianapolis and met his wife Jill during their time as undergraduates at IU Bloomington. They are both proud IU alumni, with Jeff graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics (Phi Beta Kappa) in 1994. Jeff was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and is beloved by his many brothers. Jeff’s daughter Madison is also an IU alumna who earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the Kelley School of Business in 2022, and his son Andrew attended IU his freshman year.

In 2019, Jeff and Jill joined the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Development Board and began generously supporting IU cancer research. Their family has endured the loss of multiple loved ones to cancer, and in November 2022, they were shocked when Jeff was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain cancer.

Jeff and his family established the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund focused on brain cancer, and in August 2023, IU used the funding to recruit Jia “Zach” Shen, PhD, an assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics, to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Based in Bloomington, Dr. Shen’s research laboratory focuses on understanding and preventing the recurrence of glioblastoma.

Cancer ended Jeff’s life on Nov. 26, 2023, but his legacy will live on in many ways, including through the research advancements made possible by the Schwarz Family and Jeff’s many friends who choose to support IU brain cancer research in his name.

Gifts to the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund will support brain cancer research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

To make a gift by check, please make payable to IUF/Schwarz Fund. Mail to:
IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
PO Box 7072
Indianapolis, IN 46207

To wire a cash gift or transfer a gift of appreciated stock, please contact Amber Kleopfer Senseny at akleopfe@iu.edu or 317-278-4510.