IUN Supporters Honored at 2015 Chancellor’s Medallion Celebration

IUN Supporters Honored at 2015 Chancellor’s Medallion Celebration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, November 12, 2015, Indiana University Northwest hosted their Annual Chancellor's Medallion and Bicentennial Launch Celebration to benefit student scholarships. Donors, alumni, and friends, all attended the banquet at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

Sharon Johnson-Shirley, the Superintendent of Lake Ridge Schools, was the first speaker for the night. Johnson-Shirley welcomed several representatives from Indiana University Northwest to the stage throughout the evening. Michael McRobbie, Indiana University President, was the first to be welcomed to the stage as he gave a touching speech about Students Studying abroad, diversity among students at IU Northwest, along with the ever-growing need for culturally aware students. Following McRobbie, William Lowe, Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest was the third to take the stage.

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"We all give for different reasons," Lowe said. "But the common bond among all of our donors is the desire to have a transformative effect on someone or something.”

Lowe also announced this year's Chancellor’s Medallion Honorees: NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) along with Calvin "Cal" and Cathy Bellamy. For many years Cal and Cathy Bellamy have been active community volunteers for charitable causes throughout Northwest Indiana and within their own community of Munster. Headquartered in Merrillville, NIPSCO is one of the seven energy distribution companies of NiSource.

John Applegate, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs for IU, followed Lowe on the stage. Applegate is an award winning teacher and is nationally recognized for his work in environmental risk assessment and policy analysis. Next, Victoria Morales took the stage. She is a junior psychology and pre-med student at IUN, a scholarship receiver, and the only student speaker.

“I have found that when it comes to the desire to give back to something that is important to you, there is no better motivation to become a better person and dedicate yourself to helping others, rather than being on the receiving end of someone else's philanthropy.” Morales said.

A short video then played which featured two scholarship receivers, and the mother of a scholarship receiver. The video was moving as well as Morales’s Speech, as each emphasized the impact scholarships have on college students and the parents of college students lives. The final speaker of the night was Jeri Pat Gabbert, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs for IU Northwest.

"Our passion and driving force is our students. They are truly inspiring!" Gabbert said. "They juggle competing demands of college, work and family responsibilities. There is no doubt that their academic experiences transform and enrich their lives."

Overall, the banquet was a night of gratitude and thankfulness, all because of the donors, alumni and friends of Indiana Northwest University.

photos by Kyle Hovanec and Emma Pollit