2008 Alumni Award Recipients
For a complete listing of all previous alumni award recipients visit the Historical Listing of Alumni Award WinnersDistinguished Alumni Award
Angela Grigsby Espada '83, Indianapolis, IN
As Associate Dean for Student Services at Indiana University School of Law, Angela Grigsby Espada has been recognized by the Indiana State Bar Association for promoting diversity in the legal profession with the Rabb Emison Diversity Award. Her mere presence at the IU School of Law has encouraged and made law school a possibility for many. Prior to joining IU in 1990, Angela held the position of staff attorney for the Indiana Supreme Court--Division of State Court Administration and staff attorney for the legislatively created Indiana Public Defender Commission. Her other professional experience includes practicing law as a deputy prosecuting attorney and teaching law-related courses at the undergraduate level at Indiana University-Bloomington and at the University of Indianapolis.
Angela has received numerous honors and awards, including the Bowles/Dr. Morton-Finney Service Award in both 1993 and 1997, which is selected by the student body, as well as IUPUI's Joseph E. Taylor Award for Diversity and Glen W. Irwin Experience Excellence Award. Angela still finds the time to come to the aid of the University of Indianapolis family whenever called upon to speak to student groups. She is a great example of the education for service philosophy that this university tries to instill in all of its students.
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Anita Samuel '98, Indianapolis, IN
Anita Samuel serves as Assistant General Counsel for Governor Mitch Daniels, where she is also the Policy Director for five state agencies. Anita is also very influential in the human resource process for the state by helping to recruit qualified candidates and overseeing background checks for all of the Governor's appointees. Prior to the Governor being sworn in, Anita was the Assistant Finance Director for the Mitch for Governor campaign committee. She was also General Counsel for Secretary of State Todd Rokita and Deputy Attorney General for Attorney General Steve Carter.
Anita returned to the University of Indianapolis following graduation to teach political science as an adjunct professor. She is also an alumna of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series and the Indiana Leadership Forum. She truly enjoys serving the public and being able to make a difference in her community.
Gene and Joanne Sease Award
Dr. Cary '69 and Vicki Hanni - Evansville, IN
Cary and Vicki have a long family lineage connecting them to the University of Indianapolis so the Hanni name is very familiar to the University of Indianapolis community. With a parent, their siblings and cousins as graduates, the next generation of Hannis will become alums as two of the Hanni children have walked the University of Indianapolis campus.
Cary served on the Board of Trustees from 1993-2006 and both he and Vicki support Greyhound Athletics as members of the Varsity Club and the Greyhound Club. The Hannis have a deep passion for the University that is evident in the way that they volunteer to help recruit and seek financial aid for prospective students. As an advocate for students, they established and continue to support the Hanni Family Annual Scholarship. They believe in and never miss an opportunity to promote the University of Indianapolis.
Honorary Alumni Award
Dr. Phylis Lan Lin - Indianapolis, IN
Phylis Lan LinDr. Phylis Lan Lin has been with the University of Indianapolis for more than 30 years. A sociologist and professor, she has done research in the general areas of work, stress, marriage, and family, which has led her to write many articles and books. The impact that Phylis made on the University of Indianapolis was made publically evident in 1997 when the University's baccalaureate program in social work was accredited. In honor of her influence and work for establishing the preliminary social work program it was named, "The Phylis Lan Lin Program in Social Work."
Not only has she stood out to the campus community, but in 1991 the mayor of Indianapolis proclaimed July 26, as Dr. Phylis Lan Lin Day to celebrate her contributions in strengthening the family unit all over the world. She was also named one of the 33 most influential women of Indianapolis by the Indianapolis Business Journal and was highlighted in the Indianapolis Woman as a person of inspiration for surviving breast cancer.
Faculty/Staff Alumni Award
Dr. Sue Willey '75 - Indianapolis, IN
Sue WilleyDr. Sue Willey has been instrumental at the University of Indianapolis as a student, coach, professor, and athletic director. She came to the University of Indianapolis and made her mark immediately, earning 19 athletic letters, 11 MVP awards, and from 1972-1975, she was the Female Athlete of the Year. After graduating cum laude, Sue began coaching, which led to her directing teams in five sports over a 23 year period. She earned GLVC Coach of the Year in 1989 for her leadership with the softball team and in 1996-1997, her softball teams earned national academic honors.
Serving as an administrator of Greyhound Athletics, Sue's impact continues to be felt on the University of Indianapolis campus. Nine teams have advanced to NCAA post-season championships and many students have been recognized as All-Americans. She was recognized as the Pathfinder Award winner in 2004 for her strong commitment to provide high-quality sport and leadership opportunities for females in the state and the National Association of Collegiate Woman Athletic Administrators chose Sue as the 2005 Division II Administrator of the Year.
Harvey Showalter Award
Erin Betlej '08
Erin Betlej, a social work major, is not only an excellent student (3.8 GPA), she is devoted, focused, and generous. The last four years of Erin's life at the University of Indianapolis have been a reflection of her commitment to social justice. Erin has spent countless hours serving the needs of others by volunteering her time. She's not only willing to serve those less fortunate, but she has also made it a priority to educate herself on how to better serve her community by taking service learning classes. Erin's volunteerism has taken her around the country to work with youth in underserved neighborhoods. This fall Erin will begin graduate school at the University of North Carolina to earn her master's degree in social work.