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Vanguard Award recipient giving a speach

Vanguard Award

This recognition is presented to individuals or organizations that have made a meaningful impact in transforming the campus culture of Indiana Tech. The award honors those who take deliberate action to create a more connected, supportive and thriving campus community. Recipients strengthen campus culture, drive meaningful engagement and expand our institutional impact, while fostering a community that is welcoming and inclusive of underrepresented or historically marginalized experiences. 

  • Internal recipients are faculty, staff or administrators who, through their work at the university, actively contribute to positive change that benefits the broader campus community, particularly in ways that amplify underrepresented voices and experiences. 
  • External recipients are community partners or organizations that have collaborated with Indiana Tech in ways that strengthen the campus community and advance opportunities, representation and support for underrepresented groups. 

Nominees may have roles where implementing inclusion or community-focused initiatives is a core responsibility, but they consistently explore unique ways to go above and beyond expectations. They may lead programs, influence policies, develop initiatives or engage in efforts that enhance equity, belonging and representation across the campus. 

The ideal nominee demonstrates initiative beyond their standard responsibilities, through thoughtful engagement and a commitment to advancing the campus culture, particularly in support of underrepresented experiences. 

Students are not eligible for nomination but are encouraged to nominate faculty, staff, administrators or community partners who exemplify these qualities.

Past Winners

  • Dr. Kevin Bottomley, 2025
  • Larry Lee, 2025
  • Dr. Carrie Rodesiler, 2024
  • A.V.O.W. – Advancing Voices of Women, 2024
  • Dr. Cortney Robbins, 2023
  • Parkview Health Systems, 2023
  • Michael Dunne-Steece, 2022
  • Captain Andrea Burton, 2022
  • Dr. Terri Shaw, 2021
  • Clifford M. Clarke, 2021
  • Dr. Susan McGrade, 2020
  • Donnevin Wolfe of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 2020

The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at 6 p.m. 

Vanguard Award Application

Your Information

Nominee Information

Nomination type(Required)
Briefly describe the nominee’s primary role or responsibilities:
Describe how the nominee has contributed to transforming the campus culture, particularly in supporting underrepresented or historically marginalized experiences. Include examples of initiatives, programs, policies, or actions:
Explain how the nominee consistently explores unique ways to go above and beyond their standard responsibilities:
Provide any other information that supports this nomination:
Verification(Required)
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