From Blind Dates to Big Dreams: Bob and Diane Krall’s Legacy of Giving

On a blind date arranged by Diane’s sorority sister at Indiana University, Bob Krall confidently thought he had met the woman of his dreams.

“I eventually convinced her I was the one,” Bob laughs, as Diane interjects, “I don’t think you did!”

This playful banter between the Kralls perfectly encapsulates their dynamic — equal parts humor, partnership, and determination.

Fast forward more than five decades, Bob and Diane have built a life rooted in education, community, and giving back. As lifelong educators and now committed philanthropists, their story is one of resilience, passion, and a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Both Bob and Diane devoted their careers to education. Diane began as a history major, admitting she had planned on being a student as long as she could, or “until dad put a stop to it.” But after becoming engaged to Bob during her senior year at Indiana University, he encouraged her to get a teaching certification. Diane later pivoted to elementary education when teaching opportunities in her field were scarce. She worked for Greater Clark County Schools, eventually coordinating the gifted program.

“I loved working in New Washington,” Diane recalled. “It was back when you could decide what you wanted to do with the kids. I took them to ballet and opera — experiences they’d never have otherwise. Parents often joined in because it was such a unique opportunity.”

Bob’s path was equally impactful. Starting as a sixth-grade teacher in New Albany, he quickly rose to principal positions across Clark County. During his career, which Diane joked started in “the Dark Ages”, Bob has many unique experiences with smaller, dated Indiana schoolhouses.

“When I became principal at Marysville, the school didn’t even have indoor plumbing,” Bob said. “The fifth and sixth graders maintained the furnace, which would heat the entire school for everyone. It’s hard to imagine now.”

After years as an administrator, Bob moved to central office, joking, “Everyone said I’d gone to the dark side.”

Despite their successes, the Kralls faced their share of challenges. Both worked tirelessly while attending college, often juggling multiple jobs to fund their education. Neither came from a family with wealth – instead, they earned everything from their hard work.

“I’ve worked since I was 15,” Bob shared. “Even now, I’m mindful about spending money. Those early years really shaped who I am today.”

Entering the World of Philanthropy

The Kralls’ journey into philanthropy began unexpectedly.

Bob became president of the Jeffersonville Optimist Youth Foundation, an organization that provided scholarships to students throughout the city. However, it wasn’t until Bob became more acclimated to the position that red flags began showing.

“When I stepped in, I realized we were giving away more money than we earned. It wasn’t sustainable,” he explained.

This led the foundation to partner with the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. Through their involvement with the CFSI, Bob and Diane discovered the value of strategic giving for their organization. Working with the foundation’s staff, they re-focused the Optimist Youth Foundation’s scholarship program to ensure funding would remain for future generations.

Now, the Optimist Youth Foundation has awarded nearly $40,000 in annual scholarships since 2018.

The decision to work with CFSI also helped lay the groundwork for the Kralls’ own philanthropic endeavors. Though the couple initially thought the community foundation existed solely for people of high wealth, they soon learned that people from a variety of financial backgrounds can still give back to their communities.

“Early on, I knew the Community Foundation existed, but I thought it was only for people with lots of money,” Bob said. “Since we both taught school, we didn’t have money to just give away – we wanted it to have a lasting impact. So, when we went into our first meeting, they treated us like we were the town millionaires. Like we were special. Even though we weren’t over-moneyed, they treated us with respect, dignity, and encouragement.”

“Maybe they took an acting class!” Diane jokes.

Building a Legacy

Now, the Kralls’ philanthropic efforts extend beyond their lifetimes, thanks to a planned gift they are leaving with the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.

Inspired by their experiences, the couple decided to leave a portion of their estate to CFSI to fund scholarships for Greater Clark graduates of average ability who wish to pursue higher education. They aren’t looking for someone at the top of the class – rather someone who has slipped through the cracks and could really use the extra support.

“Education has been so good to us,” Bob reflects. “It feels right to give back in a way that helps others have the same opportunities. We want to find an individual that, because of this support, will be able to get an education, and ideally, it would be to teach.”

For Diane, the scholarship opportunity is a full-circle moment. As someone who loved learning, but struggled finding early employment due to her gender and lack of experience, she’s thankful that an organization is willing to help them support the next generation of learners.

“The Community Foundation makes the whole process so easy,” she said. “Linda Speed and her team truly listen and understand what we want to accomplish. They take care of the details so we can focus on what matters — making a difference in this community.”

The Kralls also emphasize the importance of working with CFSI for anyone considering philanthropy: “They’re trustworthy, knowledgeable, and have a pulse on the community’s needs. It’s comforting to know our contributions are in good hands.”

Looking Ahead

While the Kralls remain active in their Jeffersonville community, they also enjoy their retirement. Diane still dreams of adopting a French Bulldog, while Bob, ever the pragmatist, holds out. Their days are filled with reading, exploring new ideas, and, occasionally, revisiting their IU roots with a glass of wine and fond memories of street dances and study sessions.

For Bob and Diane, their story isn’t just about giving back — it’s about creating a ripple effect of opportunity and hope. Through their partnership with the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, they’ve ensured their legacy will inspire and uplift generations to come.

“Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy,” Diane said. “It’s about doing what you can, with what you have, to make a difference. That’s what we hope others see in our journey.”