The Indiana University School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an alum by the School. The award was founded in 1977 to recognize alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the school by distinguishing themselves in their careers and have made significant contributions to their community, state and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities.
The annual awards are given in four categories:
Excellence in PreK-12 Education Award
The Excellence in PreK-12 Education Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who have excelled in PreK-12 education by providing leadership in the use of innovative classroom methods, programs or other initiatives.
Excellence in Higher Education Award
The Excellence in Higher Education Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who are transforming higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services, and effective leadership.
Early Career Achievement Award
The Early Career Achievement Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who have made outstanding professional contributions to the field of education and received their degree from the IU School of Education within the last ten years.
Outstanding Alumni Award
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have excelled in their chosen field and demonstrated exceptional civic service and/or charitable responsibility to effect positive social change.
Page banner: 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award winners—from left: Susie Gronseth, William Parrett, Naomi Searle, and Harold “Pete” Goldsmith. Top inset: Former Dean Lemuel Watson addresses guests at the 2018 DAA dinner. Bottom left: Watson visiting with guests at the 2018 DAA dinner. Bottom right: view of the 2018 DAA dinner from the 2nd floor balcony.
Past Awardees
David A. Ambler, Ed.D. (Ed.D.'66) Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Emeritus The University of Kansas
Carole Ames, Ph.D. (M.S.’68) Dean Emerita Michigan State University College of Education
Marilyn Friend, Ph.D. (M.S.’78, Ph.D.’81) Professor Emerita The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Karen Schuster Webb, Ph.D. (M.S.’73, Ph.D.’80) President Union Institute & University
Dena Cushenberry-Burrello (Ed.S.’09, Ed.D.’12) Retired Superintendent of Schools MSD Warren Township
Judith A. DeMuth (Ed.D.’99) Superintendent of Schools Monroe County Community School Corporation
James B. Luther (Ph.D.’92) Owner & President Luther Consulting, LLC
Frederick A. Taylor, Jr. (B.S.’73) Administrator Zephyrhills Health & Rehabilitation Center
Brady Barr, PhD (BS’87) Children’s Book Author & Educator/herpetologist/owner Eco Adventures Nature Center
Saisuree Chutikul, EdD (MS’57, EdD’62) Chairperson/Member of multiple National Committees in Thailand Country of Thailand
Ted S. Hasselbring, EdD (BS’71, EdD’79) Professor of Special Education Vanderbilt University
Edson W. Sample (MS’71) Retired Director for Financial Aid Indiana University
Kimberly L. King-Jupiter, PhD (MS’93, PhD’98) Special Assistant for Research Initiatives Division of Research and Sponsored Programs Tennessee State University
Angela M. McNelis, PhD, RN (MS’90) Professor and Associate Dean for Scholarship, Innovation, and Clinical Science George Washington University School of Nursing
A.Y. “Fred” Ramirez, PhD (PhD’99) Professor of Education, Concordia University, Irvine Executive Director of EdActs Global
Elizabeth J. Whitt (PhD’88) Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education Professor in Sociology University of California, Merced
Robert E. Draba, PhD, JD (BS'68) Trial Attorney, Antitrust Division United States Department of Justice Washington, DC
Peggy A. Hinckley, EdD (BS'74) Educational Consultant, School Improvement Retired Superintendent
R. Elizabeth Odle (MS'74) Retired Program Director, Bridges to Success United Way of Central Indiana
Pat Wilson (BS'71, MS'77) Department Chair and Teacher Bloomington High School North
Richard E. Bishop, EdD (BS'61, MS'71, EdD'77) Retired, Executive Assistant to the President Indiana University Foundation
Shaun R. Harper, PhD (MS'00, PhD'03) Associate Professor and Executive Director Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Jann Keenan, EdS (MS'79, EdS'80) Instructional Designer for Health Literacy/Health Equity The Keenan Group, Inc.
Stanley Warren, EdD (EdS'71, EdD'73) Retired Dean, Academic Affairs and Professor of Education DePauw University
Abdul Farouk Ahmed (MS'79) Consultant, Human Resources and Organizational Change & Managing Director, ICC Consultants Centre
Maurice C. Daniels, EdD (BA'72, MS'75, EdD'82) Dean and Professor, Senior Researcher and Executive Producer, University of Georgia, School of Social Work
David A. Lepkojus (BS'74) Head Teacher/Supervisor, Counselor, Administrator, Bureau of Indian Education, United States Department of the Interior, Many Farms High School
Dr. Victor A. Smith (MS'72, EdD'77) Retired, Associate Director, Indiana Urban School Association
Patricia A. Payne (BS'64, MS'75) Director, Crispus Attucks Museum
Gerald O. Thompkins, Ph.D. (BS'70, MS'77) Director, STEM Education and Research Center, Kent State University
James E. Weigand (EdD'64) Dean Emeritus, School of Continuing Studies, Indiana University
Christine O. Cheney (EdD'84) Dean and Professor of Special Education University of Nevada College of Education
W. Rob Foshay (PhD'77) Director, Research for the Educational Technology Group Texas Instruments
James D. Mervilde (MS'81, Spclst'86, EdD'00) Retired Superintendent MSD of Washington Township, Indianapolis
Douglas Harris (MS'64, EdD'68) Retired, Vice President, Knight Ridder Corporation
Earlene Holland (EdS'80) Retired, Associate Provost, Oakland City University
Keith Jepsen (EdD'84) President, Global Student Loan Corporation
Youngsoo Kim (PhD'83) Director, Institute for Teaching & Learning, Ewha Women’s University, Seoul Korea
