The Indiana State University Foundation reports a 21 percent increase in donations in its 2007-2008 fiscal year, compared to the prior year. Annual gifts jumped 12 percent from $1.53 million to $1.72 million, while major gift contributions increased 44 percent from $3.9 million to $5.7 million. The ISU Foundation believes the significant increase is a result of the decision to make it a separate entity from the university.

Indiana impacted by GMAC cuts

GMAC Financial Services is closing all 200 of its GMAC Mortgage retail offices and cutting the work force at its Residential Capital LLC unit by approximately 5,000. The GMAC Web site shows 10 retail offices in Indiana. The company attributes the reductions to the continuing downturn in the credit and mortgage markets.

IU appoints scholars program director

The Indiana University Bloomington 21st Century Scholars Program has named Chris Enstrom its new director. He will be responsible for developing programs, services, workshops and events designed to help more than 1,000 students. Enstrom has been the student coordinator for the South Central Regional Support Site of the 21st Century Scholars Program, where he recruited hundreds of eligible junior high students.

IRC hires new executive director

The Indiana Recycling Coalition Board of Directors has hired Carey Hamilton as the organization's new executive director. She has 14 years of experience in the environmental field, including serving as the director of the State of Indiana Government Recycling Program as well as the first director of Indiana's Greening the Government Program. Hamilton was chosen from a pool of more than 100 applicants.

GAGE, Crane announce tech transfer deal

A technology transfer partnership between the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE) and Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center has the potential to impact companies in 28 counties and three states, officials tell Inside INdiana Business. The announcement was made at Innovation Pointe, the downtown Evansville incubator managed by GAGE. The deal will allow businesses to access Crane's sophisticated technology and dozens of patents with the goal of helping companies commercialize new products and innovation.