From left to right, Distinguished Young Alumni, Michael Howe '98, Honorary Alumni Co-Recipient, Deidra Pettinga, and Distinguished Alumni Co-Recipients Beenu Sikand '99 and Tim Martin '80 at the 2009 Honors & Recognition Dinner. Also recognized that evening were the Sease Award Recipients, Dr. Robert '48 and Luella McBride '48, honored posthumously in the presence of their family. Not pictured, Honorary Alumni Co-Recipient, Monica Woods.



Distinguished Alumni Award Co-Winner
Tim Martin '80 unselfishly served the city of Indianapolis for more than 42 years. As one of the most regarded officers with the Indianapolis Police Department, Tim was asked to escort President Nixon, President Ford, President Bush, and Bobby Kennedy. Tim also held the responsibility and honor of protecting Dan Quayle on 28 separate occasions. Visiting dignitaries were not Tim's only passion. Under Tim's leadership, the missing children's unit was recognized nationally for locating 100% of children reported missing. Tim has received numerous awards that include the Legacy Award for Shepherd Community Center and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the American Legion. He has also served on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club, Fletcher Place, and the Shepard Community Center.





Distinguished Alumni Award Co-Winner
Beenu Sikand '99 has become a leader, role model, and mentor to many Indian immigrants in her community. She is one of the top Indiana Realtors with Century 21 in residential and commercial real estate. In addition to her success as a Realtor, Beenu launched 'Guldusta' in 2006, a magazine used as a platform for South Asian women. Beenu was not satisfied finding success solely for herself and her three children; she also strives for other Asian families to find success as they make the transition to Indiana. Beenu helps other Indian immigrant families achieve home ownership, obtain jobs, as well as, provides information pertaining to schools, doctors, and other aspects of everyday life. Beenu serves as an inspiration to many for stepping outside of the box that most Indian women are raised to believe in.



Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winner
Michael Howe '98 has committed "Education for Service" into his career by nature of his work with the Social Health Association. Michael began his service-oriented career at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center where he served the needs of Indianapolis urban children. Although he no longer works for Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, he continues to serve on steering committees that impact local organizations and educational institutions. Since Michael joined the Social Health Association, he has increased grant income significantly which has led to the development of a new Marion County program about bully prevention. Michael will soon pass his knowledge on to the next generation of leaders while teaching Non-Profit Leadership at Ivy Tech.



Honorary Alumna Award Co-Winner
Deidre Pettinga is an extraordinary professor at UIndy. She is recognized by students and colleagues for not only her knowledge in the field of marketing, but more importantly for her ability to teach in an engaging way that facilitates greater understanding. Deidre incorporates significant real world experience into the classroom and year after year, students express their appreciation for her encouragement to think beyond textbooks. Besides her classroom strengths, Deidre has become involved in serving several local non-profit organizations. Deidre is also actively involved in counseling students by arranging job placements and facilitating their career development. Deidre is appreciated by students and faculty alike for her warmth, commitment, and genuine concern about her students and her community.



Honorary Alumna Co-Winner
Monica Woods joined UIndy in 1998 and it was evident early on that her influence would be great. She revamped the Alumni Association Board of Directors, helping to turn it into the active constituent group that exists today. Monica also initiated and executed successful new programming like Graduates of the Heart and Faculty/Staff Alumni Appreciation Day. Under her leadership, the Stierwalt Alumni House was built and the desire for an online alumni community became a reality (Alumni Central). In recognition of her commitment and dedication to UIndy, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, with the support of UIndy administration, wanted to award Monica and name her an honorary alumna. Monica's accomplishments extend beyond UIndy as she was selected by her peers to serve as president of I-CASE, the Indiana Council for Advancement and Support of Education.



Gene and Joanne Sease Award Winners
Dr. Robert '48 and Luella '48 McBride are recipients of the Sease Award posthumously for their great impact at UIndy that extends well beyond their years as college students. After earning a Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Chicago, Robert and his young bride returned to Indianapolis so that Robert could teach  philosophy and religion at his alma mater. Coming back to what was then known as Indiana Central College proved to be a positive experience for both Robert and Luella. Robert and his friend, sociology professor Marvin Hendricks organized the Philosophy Club, which often met in the basement of the McBride home. Robert fed his students intellectually while Luella provided for them with her delicious cherry pie. In addition to his impact as a professor, Robert later helped to create a graduate program in education at UIndy and served a president of Simpson College from 1979 to 1987.


Distinguished Faculty Alumni Award Winner
Julie Gahimer '85 has consistently exceeded UIndy's standards for service and has done so for more than 20 years. In 2007, Julie received the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport Community Leadership Award for establishing an exercise program for adults with physical disabilities at the Baxter YMCA. Her program not only helps her community, but also provides an opportunity for UIndy physical therapy students to gain real life, hands-on experience. One of Julie's lasting legacies to UIndy is the Community Patient Resource Group (CPRG). This group of 70 patients with ongoing or chronic physical disabilities have agreed to come to UIndy to be practice patients for UIndy students. CPRG exists largely because of Julie's commitment to the Krannert School of Physical Therapy and her commitment to helping others.



Harvey M. Showalter Future Alumni Award Winner
Ashley Fallos '09 is from Gurnee, Illinois and has been a Lugar Scholar recipient all four years of her collegiate career. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Ashley has been an integral part of the UIndy Women's Volleyball team and had the distinction being selected as the team captain. Ashley not only excels in the classroom and on the volleyball court, she has also been a leader in the Social Work Student Association. During her senior year Ashley was elected Vice President. Ashley's commitment to serve has influenced those around her as well. While most students bring one or two volunteers to help with a service project, Ashley convinced the entire volleyball team to volunteer for one project.


For a listing of last year's award winners please visit 2008 Honorees.